Memorial Day is generally recognized as the official start of the summer season. The months following Memorial Day are often packed with activities and travel, these months also higher rates of certain types of personal injury accidents including car accidents, drunk driving accidents, swimming pool accidents, and dog bites. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take simple steps to keep you and your family safe.
Risks You May Face and Tips to Keep You Safe
The Risk – Motor Vehicle Accidents: The risk of being involved in a car accident drastically increases during the summer months. Statistics compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicate that in 2013 the highest number of motor vehicle crash deaths occurred between June and October with August topping the list for car accident fatalities. This increased risk results from the fact that summer brings the opportunity to travel meaning more motorists are on the roads going to and from their vacation destinations. Motor vehicle accidents are often devastating both physically and emotionally.
What Can You Do:
- Make sure you and all passengers wear seat belts at all times while driving.
- Avoid any type of driver distraction, especially talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.
- Always be aware of your surroundings, even if you are careful those around you may not be.
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident make sure to seek immediate medical attention and legal advice. Call TED MORGAN LAW at (706) 622-6255 for your free consultation today.
The Risk—Holiday Weekends and the Increased Hazard for Drunk Driving: The consumption of alcoholic beverages is often a part of relaxing while on vacation or enjoying a long weekend, and with this comes a significant risk of alcohol-related accidents and arrests. Memorial Day weekend has 13.1% more traffic-related fatalities than other weekends, and in 2013 407 people lost their lives, and Memorial Day Monday has 32% more fatalities than the three previous days. July 4th is the most dangerous holiday for travelers according to the National Safety Council, in 2013 58,000 individuals suffered serious injury in alcohol-related accidents and 540 were killed. According to the NHTSA, between 2007 and 2011 alcohol was a contributing factor in 61 fatalities every day over the 4th of July weekend, this rate is higher than any other holiday weekend. While there is always the risk of injury from an accident involving a drunk driver this is a risk is even higher during the summer months and you need to protect yourself.
What Can You Do:
- Never get behind the wheel, or allow anyone else to get behind the wheel, of a motor vehicle, boat, or personal watercraft after consuming alcohol.
- Designate a sober driver or call a cab if you intend to consume alcohol and will require a ride home.
- Plan summer parties at your own house in order to minimize your risk of drinking and driving. You can also arrange to have a sober party or designate drivers to help your guests out as well.
If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver protect yourself by calling TED MORGAN LAW at (706) 622-6255 for your free consultation today.
The Risk—Dangers to be Aware of While Boating: In order to beat the heat many people head to local lakes and beaches for some fun in the sun and with this comes the real danger that someone around you is boating under the influence. The fact that boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol violates the Georgia Boat Safety Act does not stop some people from drinking while boating. The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2013 Recreational Boating Statistics report attributes 560 fatalities, 2,620 injuries, and close to $39 million dollars in property damage to boating accidents. One of the primary contributing factors in boating accidents was alcohol consumption, which was responsible for 236 boating accidents, 75 deaths, and 187 injuries. While you are cooling off this summer make sure you are careful.
What Can You Do:
- Require all passengers to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating.
- Prohibit alcohol consumption when boating or designate a sober individual as the driver.
If you or a loved one are involved in a boating accident call TED MORGAN LAW at (706) 622-6255 for your free consultation today.
The Risk—Swimming Pool Drowning Accidents: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2014 there were 13 swimming pool fatalities in Georgia. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, this ranks Georgia 3rd for the number of pool-related deaths for children under 15. According to PoolSafely.gov nationwide at least 174 children under the age of 15, drowned in swimming pools or spas between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2014, and of these victims, 112 were under the age of five. Not knowing how to swim or float dramatically increases the chances of a child becoming a drowning victim. Unrestricted access to pools due to faulty gates, broken fences, or other means of access also contributes to swimming pool drowning accidents.
What Can You Do:
- Teach your children how to swim.
- Even in cases where a lifeguard is present, you should designate an individual to keep a watchful eye on children at all times around water.
- Teach children to stay away from drains, drain covers, and other objects that could cause them to get stuck underwater and drown.
- Prohibit running or horseplay around the pool.
If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury call TED MORGAN LAW at (706) 622-6255 for your free consultation today.
The Risk – Increased Number of Dog Bites and Animal Attack: The number of dog bites and animal attacks increases during the summer months. Dog bites are the second leading cause of emergency room visits for children. Around 79% of fatal dog attacks involve children and more than 80% of these occur when a child is left unsupervised with a dog or wanders off. Dogs often get overly excited during parties and celebrations and these unfamiliar situations can cause an animal to be uncharacteristically aggressive. Animals are often unpredictable and it is important to always remember the risks.
What Can You Do:
- Keep animals on a leash when out walking, going to the park, or attending any summertime activities.
- Do not allow your children to pet any dog without your permission and the owner’s permission, and even then, require it be done in a calm manner.
- If you observe a dog or other animal exhibiting signs of stress, do not attempt to approach the animal, allow its owner to handle it.
If you have been hurt feel free to call TED MORGAN LAW at (706) 622-6255 for your free consultation today.