Summer is here, which means more time for outdoor activities as well as injuries. While personal injuries can happen at any time of the year, summer sees an increase in certain injuries as people engage in different activities. Today, we review the most common summer injuries and what to do if you find yourself injured.
Car Accident Personal Injuries Increase Over Summer
The number of cars on the road over summer increases significantly. This is mostly due to the fact that people are on vacation, school is out for summer, and more families and friends go on road trips during this time. Here are some reasons why car accidents increase over the summertime:
- There are more young drivers on the road
- There are more motorcyclists on the road (summer is the season of road trips for motorcyclists)
- There is an increase in traffic (more people are traveling longer distances on road trips during this time)
How to Stay Safe on the Road This Summer
It’s not always possible to avoid a reckless or negligent driver on the road, but you can take certain precautions such as:
- Staying a car’s length behind a passenger vehicle and three to four seconds behind a motorcycle
- Checking your blind spots before changing lanes or turning
- Giving motorcyclists the entire lane
- Remembering not to text and drive
- Waiting approximately three seconds before entering the intersection to avoid drivers running red lights
Dog-Related Injuries Spike During Summertime
Dog-related injuries increase during summer as more people take their dogs out on walks. More dogs are seen off leash during these months as well. Dog owners may feel tempted to take their dogs to places like festivals, concerts, and parades, which could increase the dog's chances of behaving badly in public. Dogs get overwhelmed in crowds and could act out by biting someone.
Dog owners should consider leaving their pets at home when going to public events during the summer months to avoid any issues. When taking your dog on a walk, be sure to keep him/her on a leash.
Work-Related Issues Also Occur During Summer
Work-related issues are also common during the summertime. Here are some examples:
- Hypothermia
- Dehydration
- Slips and falls
- Car accidents
- Catastrophic accidents
It can be difficult to avoid work-related accidents, but it’s important to try your best to be cautious. Wear the necessary safety equipment and workwear when you are in a construction zone or working on a project. Take additional precautions when you are driving to and from work. Be sure to drink enough water and if it is cold outside, do your best to wear protective gear.
If you were injured in an accident this summer, contact our office online for legal assistance.