Avoiding Common Summer Accidents

Summer is a great time to go on a family trip or host relatives at home. With children out of school, families get to spend more time together playing, traveling, or just relaxing in their yards.

Summer is also a time when many people get injured. Car accidents increase with more teens out on the road, and many hazards around the home can leave you or a loved one bloodied and bruised.

At Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A., we encourage families to take simple steps to radically reduce their chances of an accident. Below, our personal injury lawyer in Coral Gables identifies for easy steps to take.

Get a Tune Up Before Taking a Summer Trip

If you plan to travel, then make sure your car is in tip-top condition before heading out. Visit your mechanic and ask for a tune-up. If you’ve noticed anything else wrong with your car, then mention it to the mechanic. For example, he should look at squeaky brakes or a loud thumping noise before you begin your trip.

Having your car break down not only delays your vacation, but it can lead to collisions when your vehicle becomes unmanageable. Addressing problems now can help everyone arrive at their destination in one piece.

Grill Safely

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, there are 10,600 grill fires started each year, with the peak happening in July. Almost 20,000 patients end up in the emergency room because of grill accidents each year.

We encourage all people to practice grill safety, which should consist of first checking the grill before using it. If you have a propane grill, check the gas tank hose for leaks. You can do this by applying soap and water and watching for the formation of any bubbles.

Also set up your grill properly. Keep it away from buildings, including the garage, but also away from children, who can be injured if they fall against it after tripping. Ideally, the grill should be at least three feet away from pets and children.

Also remember to quickly refrigerate any grilled food that you do not consume. The risk of food poisoning increases when you leave foods unrefrigerated for several hours.

Stay Safe around the Pool

Swimming is almost compulsory given our muggy summers. But parents must ensure that their children are safe. This means the following:

• Have your child take swimming lessons so that he or she can become a better swimmer.
• Make sure your child has an age appropriate life jacket on if he or she cannot swim.
• Always watch the children when they are in the pool. Better yet, have at least 2 adults watch the children in case one needs to step away.
• Install a protective barrier around the pool. This could consist of a pool cover for when it is not in use or alarms that go off whenever a door or window leading to the pool is opened.

Drink Alcohol Responsibly

Adults can suffer many injuries when they are intoxicated, including getting into car wrecks or drowning. Alcohol impairs a person’s reflexes and their judgment. When combined with the hot sun, alcohol can make a person drowsy. Always drink in moderation or, better yet, reach for non-alcoholic beverages instead.

Contact Us if You Are Injured

Accidents happen, but they should not ruin your summer. Contact one of our Florida personal injury lawyers at Halpern Santos & Pinkert, P.A. for help if you are hurt. We offer free consultations.

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