Summer Isn’t Over Yet : How to Avoid Common Summer Injuries

Warm weather and sunshine means more time spent outdoors, on the road, and in the water. School is back in session for many kids, but summer isn’t over yet. With Labor Day weekend around the corner, and several weeks more of warm, sunny weather, it’s wise to take precautions against these common summer injuries.

Frequent Summer Injuries

  • Motor vehicle accidents: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, more young people are killed in auto accidents than at any other time. More people are on the roads, driving long distances to beach and lake houses. Young people often don’t have the skills and experience to handle the surplus of anxious, distracted drivers. To make things worse, drunk driving also increases during the summer. If you have a teen driver in the family, they should stay off the roads late at night and should never have more than two passengers with them at all times.
  • Dehydration, heat stroke, and sunburn: This summer has been an exceptionally hot and humid one for MA. The temps may be starting to fall a few degrees, but we are likely to experience more extreme temps before the cooler weather sets in. In the meantime, it’s important to get enough water when you spend any length of time outdoors. Stay in the shade, wear breathable clothing and a hat, and use a mineral-based sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn.
  • Pool and natural water accidents: Most pools are open until at least Labor Day, and if the weather stays warm, people will be swimming and boating even longer. Make sure that young children are always wearing life jackets while boating or swimming. Adults should also wear life jackets when boating. And never, ever leave a child unsupervised in or near water. Not even for a minute.
  • Motorcycle and bicycle accidents: Summer and early fall are prime motorcycle and bicycle season. These seasons are also prime construction season. Construction debris, loose gravel, and other construction-related obstacles can be especially dangerous. Use caution. Motorcyclists and bicyclists should also wear a helmet at all times and follow the same rules of the road as car and truck drivers.
  • Food poisoning: Here’s some good advice for your upcoming Labor Day picnic. It’s fun to grill and eat outside, but perishable foods such as meat and dairy should not sit under the sun until they are ready to be eaten. If perishable food has been sitting out for more than 30 minutes, toss it. Food poisoning will ruin even the best Labor Day picnic.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier Personal Injury Law Firm

If you’ve been injured in any type of accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of MA accident and injury victims for more than 50 years, and we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. Our lawyers will make sure you understand your rights and options before moving forward. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

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