Summer Safety: Most Common Causes of Warm Weather Accidents

A boy in a life jacket, a hat and a life buoy stands on a pier near the water in the rays of the setting sun

As the warm, sunny days of summer invite us outdoors to relish picnics in the park, refreshing dips in the pool, invigorating hikes, and various recreational pursuits, it’s essential to acknowledge that with the enjoyment of these activities also comes heightened risks of accidents and injuries. Understanding and recognizing potential hazards can significantly contribute to ensuring your safety during these summertime adventures. However, despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen.

In such instances, it’s reassuring to know that the empathetic and dedicated attorneys at Surovell, Isaacs & Levy, PLC are prepared to provide you with the assistance and support you need during a challenging time.

Some of the most common causes of summertime accidents and injuries include:

Swimming Pool Accidents

Drowning ranks as the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4. Even adults drown far too often in swimming pools. Lack of barriers around home pools, inadequate supervision, and alcohol use contribute to many tragic drownings each summer. Diving into shallow water also frequently leads to devastating neck and spinal cord injuries. Pool owners must properly fence and secure pools. Adults must closely watch children in the water and avoid swimming while under the influence.

Playground Injuries

Emergency rooms treat over 200,000 children yearly for playground-related injuries. Poorly maintained equipment and surfaces heighten the risks. Parents and caregivers need to supervise children on playgrounds. Equipment must have adequate safety surfacing and regular maintenance.

Bicycle and Scooter Crashes

Warm weather draws children and adults onto their bicycles and scooters. But this also means more crashes and collisions with cars. Riders frequently suffer serious injuries like concussions, fractures, and severe road rash. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries by 60%. Reflective clothing and lights increase visibility. Following traffic rules and watching for cars prevent many crashes. Drivers must stay alert for bicycles and scooters sharing the road.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Extreme heat sends thousands to emergency rooms yearly with heat exhaustion and life-threatening heatstroke. Dehydration and overexertion in hot weather quickly lead to dangerous conditions, especially for children and seniors. Muscle cramps, nausea, dizziness, and confusion require immediate treatment. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and avoid strenuous activities in peak heat to stay safe.

Fireworks Injuries

Backyard fireworks displays cause serious burn injuries and amputations every summer. Sparklers burn at 2,000°F and easily ignite clothing. Larger fireworks frequently explode in hands and faces. Half of those injured by fireworks are bystanders, not the people setting them off. Attend public fireworks shows run by professionals rather than using fireworks at home. Keep spectators safe and have a hose or bucket ready to extinguish fires.

Food Poisoning

Warm weather provides the perfect conditions for bacteria to multiply on food quickly. Eating contaminated food causes 48 million cases of food poisoning each year, with a spike in the summer months. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps sometimes require hospitalization. Cook foods thoroughly, keep raw meats separate, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. When in doubt, throw it out to avoid food poisoning.

Boating Accidents

Boating accidents seriously injure or kill thousands each year. Speeding, inattention, improper lookout, and alcohol use rank as the top contributing factors. Eighty percent of victims weren’t wearing life jackets. Take a boating safety course and avoid distractions while at the helm. Insist everyone onboard wears a life jacket and never boat while impaired. Have a sober spotter watch for dangers in the water.

Contact Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC for Help

While we can’t prevent every accident, identifying risks helps avoid needless tragedies. If you or a loved one suffers injuries in a summer accident due to someone else’s negligence, the caring legal team at Surovell Isaacs & Levy PLC can help. We fight to get injury victims the compensation they deserve. Call today for a free consultation about your accident case. Have a fun and safe summer!

Posted in: Personal Injury