Our Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts communities can’t get enough of the summer months. And our firm is right there with you! Nothing beats a good cookout, day on the water, swim at the pool, or picnic at the park with friends and family. While we all love to have fun, it is crucial that we prioritize ours’ and others’ safety this summer. Today’s blog highlights how you can help avoid a personal injury summer accident moving into August.
Below are our 4 top safety tips we challenge our fellow community members to follow this summer!
1. Bike and Scooter Safety: Gear Up and Follow the Rules.
One great way to exercise, commute, or have some fun around town this summer is through biking. The number of bikers on the road spikes in the warmer months, and for good reason!
As professional injury attorneys, some of the most common biking injuries we see include aches, pains, and burns that can be severe enough to indicate broken/fractured bones, internal bleeding, nerve damage, or even traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Top accident causes include:
- Dangerous intersections
- Bicycle defects
- Poor roadway conditions
- Hazardous weather
The best ways to avoid biking accidents are to (1) wear a helmet while riding, (2) follow the rules of the road, and (3) make sure your bike is in proper running condition!
Our law firm sees the unfortunate aftermath of biking accidents often. The fact of the matter is, drivers often overlook bikers. If someone causes your biking injuries this summer, call us to discuss your case.
2. Roadway and Pedestrian Safety: Follow Signs and Wear Reflective Clothing.
Nothing beats a relaxing stroll around the block or so. However, pedestrian accidents rise in summer months.
To avoid injury, make sure to follow all pedestrian signage and stay vigilant, even when you have the right of way. We suggest spending time teaching your children how to abide by crosswalk signals and other street signage as well.
In the evenings, we also urge our fellow community members to wear reflective gear for better visibility. Drivers are prone to overlooking pedestrians as well, so the more visible you make yourself, the better!
3. Water Safety: Wear a Life Jacket and Supervise Young Children.
Water safety is especially important in our communities. Boating and using other watercrafts is a great summertime activity we have unique access to. However, death or serious bodily injury by drowning is an all-too common reality of boating accidents. That’s why it is important to wear a USCG-approved PFD, such as a life jacket, while in the water. Keep in mind that children under a certain age must wear always wear life jackets.
Additionally, parents or caretakers should never leave children unattended around water, even if the children can swim. Keep pools, lakes, and oceans fun by prioritizing safety around them!
4. Playground Safety: Inspect Equipment and Teach Age-Appropriate Children How to Use.
Playgrounds and parks offer children a unique way to burn off excess energy and have some fun in the warmer months. Sometimes, it feels safe and easy to just let children run free to swing, climb, and slide to their hearts’ content. Unfortunately, this attitude leads to plenty of summertime injuries.
To avoid injuries on the playground this summer and beyond, always make sure to first inspect the playground equipment. Make sure that nothing is not rusted, but rather sturdy and properly assembled. If the equipment is safe, children should still know how to use equipment and protect themselves as well. Make sure older children do not ride two at a time on slides or swings, and make sure younger children don’t attempt obstacles they aren’t ready to handle on their own.
While summers tend to be fun and care-free, you are not immune from a personal injury summer accident. Stay vigilant and safe in midst of all your summer celebrations!