Summer has come again, and with children home from school, warm weather, and longer days, four out of every 10 U.S. adults will use this season to take a vacation. While most memories of summer vacation will turn out fond and happy, travel, heat, and recreation are not without their risks. It is all too easy for a fun day to turn dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions with regard to your circumstances. So, here are five suggestions to help you stay safe this summer and to make sure that your vacation goes just as well as you planned.
1. Watch the Weather
Summer weather, while it may feel like a refreshing change from a chilly spring, can be just as dangerous as snow and ice. Extreme heat can lead to injuries and even death, so be sure to know your limits and use safe practices when you’re outside enjoying the summer sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen so that you don’t have to deal with a nasty sunburn during your vacation and remember to reapply every few hours. If you’re not a fan of sunblock, you can also protect yourself from UV rays by wearing long sleeves and pants, but make sure that the fabric is lightweight so that you don’t overheat! Heat-related illness hospitalizes almost 10,000 Americans every year. To make sure that you don’t get sick, wear breathable clothing, take frequent breaks from being outside, and remember never to stay in a hot car. People can die of heatstroke in cars on days as cool as 57 degrees Fahrenheit. If you see a pet or a child alone in a car during the summer, call 911.
2. Practice Water Safety
Whether you’re going to a neighborhood pool, a waterpark, or the beach, many people’s vacation plans include having fun in the water. However, it’s important to remember that water isn’t always safe. In fact, An Indiana high schooler recently passed away after drowning in her high school’s pool during class. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 , and it falls just behind car accidents in terms of casualties for young adults; it’s dangerous to take for granted that you will be safe in water, even if there are people around or if you’re a strong swimmer.
When you’re swimming this summer, make sure to keep yourself and everyone you may be with safe. You can do this by designating someone to make sure all members of your party are accounted for and switching every few minutes so that no one gets tired. Be selective about where you swim; never jump into an unfamiliar body of water if you can’t see the bottom. Additionally, if you’re the owner of a private pool, take steps to make sure no one can get injured on your property. Keep your pool behind a five-foot fence and use a sturdy, well-drained cover when the pool is not in use.
3. Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Summer is the perfect time of year for a road trip, and many families spend their vacation driving across the country to see the sights. However, the prevalence of summer road trips means that there is more road congestion during the summer months, and drivers have to do more to make sure they get to their destination safely. Nearly 10% more distracted driving happens in the summer than during the rest of the year, so make sure to keep your phone put away and focus on the road. Trip planning is also of vital importance. Be sure to map your route in advance to avoid any distractions that could come from navigational errors.
Distracted driving isn’t the only danger of getting behind the wheel during the summer. Hot weather can damage car parts and make vehicles more susceptible to mechanical failure. Before you head out on that summer road trip, make sure that your vehicle is in good working order, and don’t put off repairing any issues that might arise.
4. Stay Aware at Summer Events
Many families like to take their vacation on a holiday, such as the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. During these times, communities may be putting on events such as parades, carnivals, and fireworks shows, so this can seem like the best time to get out and enjoy a summer evening. However, due to the high volume of people and the nature of some activities, events can present a heightened risk when it comes to being injured. To stay safe, exercise caution around crowds. It is easy to get lost or trampled when a large crowd becomes frightened, or even just excited. Keep track of your group members, and if you do experience a crowd crush, make sure to keep still and protect your head. Furthermore, fireworks, though popular, can be dangerous if they are not properly used. Keep your friends and family safe by only attending fireworks shows that are put on by professionals and by watching the excitement from a safe distance.
5. Know Your Travel Risks
For your summer vacation, you may choose to travel out of the country and expand your horizons elsewhere. While there are many beautiful landscapes to enjoy outside of the U.S., remember to be careful when you’re traveling to somewhere you’ve never been before. Plan ahead so you can be aware of and execute any necessary preparations before you go abroad. Some countries require certain vaccinations before you can visit. Know what these vaccinations are and plan to have them before you take off; a severe illness is no way to spend a trip. The CDC outlines what vaccines may be necessary to visit certain countries on their destinations list, which is a good resource to consult if you’re unsure about health restrictions. You can also be safer by making a schedule of everywhere you plan to go and what you plan to do with everyone in your group. Getting lost in a foreign city is scary, especially if you don’t speak the language, and a clear reference for your plans minimizes your chances of being separated from the people you know. Finally, familiarize yourself with your vacation spot’s resources. Not every country has emergency services, and even if they do, you have to know how to get in contact with them. 911 is not every country’s emergency number; luckily, the World Population Review provides this list of global emergency numbers for reference. The process for contacting emergency services is something you should learn in advance in case something goes awry on your trip.
Injured in an Indiana Accident? Call Stewart & Stewart Attorneys
Did you or your loved one suffer an injury this summer in Indiana? The team at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys is here to fight for your rights and work hard to bring your case to a fair resolution. Don’t wait; call 1-866-925-3011 24/7/365 or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. You only pay when we win.