Summer means sun, sand, and surf. It also means partying, fireworks, and more that pose significant safety risks. Below, we discuss common summer accidents and explain how you can protect yourself this season.
Common Summer Accidents
Boating and biking are two activities that experience an uptick during the warm summer months. While people can often participate in these activities without incident, they both still pose significant risks, as evidenced by the following statistics:- The number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents has increased 37% in the last 10 years, from 793 in 2010 to 1,089 in 2019.
- Bicycle-related deaths peak in the summer months, starting in June, and they remain high through September.
- Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 60% and brain injury by 58%.
- The U.S. Coast Guard reported 613 deaths and 2,559 injuries from boating accidents in 2019.
- Where the cause of death was known, 79% of boating accident victims drowned. Of those who drowned, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.
- Alcohol use is listed as the leading factor in 23% of boating accident deaths.
Staying Safe This Summer
A safe summer activity is a fun summer activity. These safety tips can help ensure your next summer outing goes off without a hitch!- Always wear a life jacket while swimming. The best way to prevent water-related accidents is to wear a life jacket that is the appropriate size for your height and weight. Even strong swimmers can succumb to sudden changes in weather or rapid currents.
- Bring an emergency kit. Whether heading underway on a lake or sea boating trip, or roughing it on the backtrails on a mountain bike, it is vital to prepare for any potential emergency. Make sure to pack important items in case an emergency happens during your trip, including a first aid kit, extra water, sunscreen, a flashlight, a compass, and a small radio.
- Wear bug spray. Choose a bug spray that has 10-30% DEET to prevent bug bites. When left untreated, bug bites can become infected, which could turn into a serious situation if you are camping in the wilderness for several days.
- Never ride while intoxicated. Many accidents occur when one or more parties involved is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In fact, it is illegal to operate a boat or bike with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
- Make yourself seen. Bikers should always wear reflective clothing and install flashing lights onto their bike to make them more visible to drivers. Boaters, on the other hand, should always use appropriate horn signals and use lights when appropriate.
Injured in an Accident? Contact Us Today
Even if you take all of these precautions, others may not. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, our Kansas City and Topeka personal injury attorneys are here to help. We have helped countless clients across Missouri and Kansas recover the compensation they deserve after an accident, and we may be able to help you, too.Call DiPasquale Moore at (816) 888-7500 to schedule a free consultation!