It’s been a strange school year for kids, teachers and parents to say the least. Everyone is ready for summer fun. Due to this influx of children and teens who will be running, riding bikes, driving cars and generally enjoying themselves outdoors, it’s important to remember that they’ll be doing these things in your neighborhood.
Here are a few tips to keep these kids safe while they’re having fun in the summer months.
Remain Cautious While Driving
Where there’s a neighborhood, there are going to be kids playing outside. Even when parents teach their children about not playing or running into the street, remember that they’re still kids and may act impulsively. Double check behind you and around you when backing out of a driveway or parking space. There will also be more teens on highways during summer months. “This adds an element of danger on roadways because young inexperienced drivers are also more likely to be either texting or talking on their cell phones,” Brad says.
Secure Your Swimming Pool
If your home has a swimming pool, then it’s imperative to have a safety fence around it and make sure the gate is locked. Not only will this keep your own children safe, but if any kids decide to use your pool without your permission, this will protect them from serious injury or even death. Brad says, “Make sure an adult who’s a good swimmer watches kids at all times without distraction. It takes moments for a child to drown.” Keep young kids within arm’s reach and make sure older kids swim with a partner every time.
Avoid Distractions
Put down the coffee, put down the cell phone, and put both hands on the wheel. Avoid distractions within your vehicle, including loud music and eating. Brad says, “Really pay attention in neighborhoods where cars are parked on the sides of the street. It’s difficult to see little ones that may be in between parked cars. They could dart out in front of you, so slow down, pay attention and anticipate this happening.”
Stop Sun Damage
Though sunscreen is recommended and the hazards of the sun’s UV rays are widely known, the rate of skin cancer continues to rise. It may be that sunscreen has provided a sense of security, so people are comfortable being in the sun for longer periods of time. For this reason, the American Academy of Dermatology stresses the importance of other protection such as hats, sunglasses, clothing and shade, along with avoiding prolonged exposure to midday sun.
Use Safety Equipment
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every hour nearly 50 children visit emergency departments with injuries related to bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards. Children (5-14 years) and adolescents (15-19 years) have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries, accounting for more than one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments. Summertime means more time in the daylight for biking. Brad says, “All children and adults should wear a properly-fitted helmet each time they ride. It’s the No. 1 way to prevent head injuries and death.”
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in Texas, our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to help right away. Contact us online, or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free consultation.We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
