Common Causes of Summer Accidents
After being cooped up indoors during a long winter, summer is the season to enjoy outdoor activities. Most people plan their weekends to take advantage of the summer months. However, the more activities you plan, the more you get exposed to accidents. The most common accidents people face during the summer period are:
Water-Related Accidents
Summers are, of course, enjoyed the most around water, e.g., lakes, rivers, pools, water parks, the ocean, etc. Pursuits such as swimming, taking a boat out to sea, or enjoying water sports are the most common summer activities.
Unfortunately, accidents related to water sports activities are a leading cause of death during the summer. According to a Center for Disease Control and Prevention study, approximately 3536 people died due to drowning per year. The data was collected during a period of ten years from 2005 to 2014. This amounts to an average of 10 people every day and drowning is still in the top 5 causes of unintentional injury-related death from birth to 5 years old.
Prevention: Be sure there’s a lifeguard on duty. If children are using the pool, let them share with others of the same age group. Make sure there is fencing around the pool, and please avoid alcoholic drinks around the pool.
Car Accidents
Many people go camping during the summer. They go for long drives, picnics, and on road trips. Unfortunately, not everyone acts responsibly and these fun activities have the potential to turn into nightmares. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total of 9,025 fatal car accidents during the summer of 2019. Some common reasons are drunk driving, distracted driving and reckless driving.
Prevention: Never drink and drive! Make sure that everyone has fastened their seat belts, and please put away your cell phones.
Cycling Accidents
Bicycles are extremely popular in the summer. Accidents on bicycles are dangerous and are often deadly if they involve a motor vehicle. According to NSC, bicycle-related accidents reach a peak during the summer months. In August 2019, 125 bicycle accidents occurred.
Prevention: Abide by all the laws and rules of the road and always wear a helmet as well as high visibility clothing. Be aware of potentially dangerous terrain and weather conditions.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists experience a high number of deaths in the summer. Unlike a car, a motorcycle does not provide the rider with the protection of being encased in a metal frame and fitted airbags, which means that even a minor accident can result in deadly consequences.
Prevention: Obey all rules of the road, always wear a helmet as well as protective clothing to minimize road rash and never drink and drive!
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland & Washington, D.C. Personal Injury Attorneys.
If you, or someone you love, have been injured in an accident this summer due to the negligence of another, legal options may be available to you. Our law firm has helped countless injury victims and can do the same for you. Our personal injury attorneys will ensure that you get the fair settlement you are entitled to.
Contact us today at (703) 560-0700 and schedule a free consultation to find out more about how we can help you.
References:
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/home-and-community/safety-topics/bicycle-deaths/
https://www.nhtsa.gov/summer-driving-tips
