Accidental Deaths Are in Peak Season Despite endless back-to-school sales and Halloween displays, summer isn’t over. That’s good news for the crowd that enjoys being able to indulge in balmy August days and temperate September evenings. It’s also a reminder to everyone to remain vigilant about seasonal accidental deaths. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), accidental deaths peak during the warmest months of the year. (In other words, now.) Check out three of the biggest ones and find out how to stay safer.
Drowning Deaths
Drownings in private and public pools, as well as bodies of open water like lakes, rivers, and creeks, are all too frequent in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is particularly notorious for both its miles of natural waterways and the
dangers they pose to even strong swimmers. How can you reduce the likelihood of an accidental drowning? First, always understand the risks of the water where you’re swimming, especially if it’s an unpredictable lake or river. Next, stay vigilant and swim with others, not alone. Finally, if you have children with you, insist that they practice safe swimming protocols and never take your eyes off them. If you have a pool, add a surrounding fence (or make plans now to put one up by next season.) Per
guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best fences are four-sided and at least four feet high.
Pedestrian Deaths
Lots of people take to the streets and roads for both exercise and fun when it’s nice outside. However, drivers aren’t always cautious when it comes to slowing down for traffic. According to news reports,
153 people were killed while walking in 2015, and the numbers don’t seem to be decreasing. The best way to avoid becoming a
pedestrian fatality statistic is to be cautious while walking. And when you’re behind the wheel? Be sure to brake for people crossing your path. Additionally, if you frequently walk to and from your home, work, or other places, ditch the earbuds. Stay attuned to your surroundings so you can hear when traffic approaches. Don’t walk on roads with limited (or no) shoulders, and be sure to wear light colors if you’re walking at dusk or in the darkness.
Overheating Deaths
Every year, babies and young children are left in hot vehicles by parents and guardians. In just half an hour, the temperature inside a car
can rise 20, 30, or even 40 degrees depending on how hot it is outside. Even if the windows are rolled down, the interior of the vehicle can rapidly surpass a survivable temperature. Never leave any person or pet, per Pennsylvania’s Senate Bill 636 unattended in a car for any length of time, particularly when conditions are dangerous. Hot car deaths are completely avoidable. See a child in the backseat of a car on a hot day? Take action immediately. Do whatever is necessary to help avoid a tragedy. The end of summer should be a time filled with last-minute memorable excursions and exciting picnics, not to mention
Labor Day fireworks and celebrations in and around Philadelphia. A little protection and prevention will go a long way toward keeping you and those you love safe.
Experienced a personal injury this summer? Don’t wait to talk to a personal injury lawyer. Wapner Newman offers free consultations at our offices or by telephone. Contact our team today to set up a time to discuss your situation.