Avoiding Summer Accidents & Injuries

Summertime in Colorado is beautiful. The incredible weather and fun recreational activities in the mountains and around the lakes make it a popular vacation spot for thousands of tourists. Kids are off of school and families all head outside to enjoy the beautiful weather and outdoor activities. Unfortunately, with the increased summer activity also comes an increase in the risk of being injured in summer accidents. In fact, from Memorial Day to Labor day marks the deadliest 100 days of summer for teenage drivers. According to AAA, crashes for drivers aged 16 to 19 increase significantly during the summer months – up 16% over other times of the year. On average, more than 10 people die each day in motor vehicle accidents during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

In addition to teen driving accidents, however, summer also brings an increase in other types of injuries, including:

• • Drowning- Boating, swimming, and other water activities are popular in the warm summer months. No matter how old you are though, water sports and recreational water activities should never be done alone. Children, in particular, should always be supervised and should wear appropriate life vests. Boaters and swimmers on the beach should also avoid drinking while on the water in order to prevent deadly drowning accidents from occurring.

• • Bicycle Accidents – Warmer weather often means an increase in bicycle accidents. Being out of school means that kids will be out on their bikes, riding around and enjoying the warm summer air. Likewise, adults often hit the pavement and the trails when the snow melts and the weather gets sunny. Nearly 400,000 children under the age of 19 are treated for bicycle related injuries each year. Starting as early as April in Denver, bicycling accidents begin to rise. Keep your children safe by ensuring that they wear proper helmet and gear when riding and teach them proper bicycle safety. Know about road hazards that affect cyclists. Motorists in Colorado can avoid deadly bicycle accidents by remaining extra alert for cyclists on the road and avoiding any distracted driving behavior.

• • Heat Stroke – Hot summer temperatures make it more likely for adults and children to get heat stroke. If you are going to be out in the heat, make sure to drink enough water. Children and the elderly are at particularly high risk for developing heat stroke.

• • Falls – The more active children are, the more likely they are to sustain a fall injury. Falling from trampolines, playground equipment, and trees some of the reasons many children are rushed to the emergency rooms. Likewise, adults climbing on ladders to empty gutters, do house repairs, and landscape their lawns are also likely to sustain a fall injury.

• • Burns – Burn injuries are always increased around the summer months. From firework injuries around the 4^th of July to camp fire flash burns, burn injuries affect children and adults alike. To help prevent these types of injuries, children should always be supervised around campfires and around fireworks.

  Further Reading: How Will We Pass the Time on Autonomous Drives?

How can You Stay Safe this Summer?

Staying safe during the summer takes a little planning, especially if you are teaching kids safety.

1. If you are going to be swimming or around water use life vests on anyone that cannot swim. Never swim alone – even if you are a seasoned swimmer.
2. Avoid alcohol if you are going to be driving or if you are going out on the water.
3. Make sure your children are supervised during the summer months.
4. Always wear helmets when riding a bike or a motorcycle and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
5. Drink water when going out in the heat and always carry some with you
6. Use sunscreen whenever going out into the sun to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun and to avoid sunburn.

Contact Our Experienced Northern Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in Broomfield, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, or anywhere in Colorado, it is important to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our committed personal injury lawyers are dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves justice. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.

Our personal injury lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.