Hazards to Avoid During Summer Vacation
Most people look forward to summer vacation. The kids are out of school, the weather warms up, and many parents are able to take time off from work to spend time with their families. This year, there is a lot of anticipation that the summer can be more like normal as the Covid 19 pandemic seems to be winding down in the US. A large percentage of the population has already been vaccinated, and most states expect to be fully open (or close to it) by the 4th of July.
Although we are much closer to normal then we were a year ago at this time, it is important to keep in mind that the virus is still out there and there are still a number of safety protocols that travelers should adhere to. For example, many places still require face coverings even if you have been vaccinated, especially in indoor settings. Covid testing might also be required even for vaccinated individuals in some areas, so be sure to check the guidelines for wherever you will be traveling this summer.
In addition to protecting yourself against Covid 19, it is important to be aware of other potential hazards during your summer travels:
Extreme Heat
We may have cold and snowy winters in Pennsylvania, but it can get pretty hot here in the summers as well. 2020 was the hottest summer ever for several areas of PA, and this year, it is not expected to be much better.
Extreme heat can create a lot of difficulties during this time of year. Cars can overheat, and when people spend too much time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, they can end up with exhaustion or heatstroke. Spending just a short time in a scorching hot car could also cause serious injuries and fatalities, especially to young children and pets.
Sun Exposure
Closely related to the first point, be careful how much time you spend out in the sun. It can be very relaxing to set up a chair at the beach or next to a swimming pool and soak up the rays. But if you stay out too long, you could end up with sunburn. Before going out for a day in the sun, be sure to put on plenty of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher protection. And if you are going to be in water, make sure your sunscreen is waterproof.
Traffic-Related Accidents
Summer is not only family traveling season, in Pennsylvania it is also road construction season. More travelers on the road combined with numerous construction zones inevitably result in a lot of traffic congestion. Add in the fact that there are far more motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians out on the streets, and you have a recipe for more traffic-related accidents.
Be especially mindful about getting fatigued on long road trips and/or looking too much at your GPS rather than paying attention to the road. Distracted driving and drowsy driving are two common causes of motor vehicle accidents, and if you get plenty of rest before driving and have someone else in the vehicle navigate the trip, you can significantly reduce the risk of ending up in a car crash.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming is a fun way to cool off and enjoy time with family and friends during the summer. But swimming pools can also be dangerous, especially for young kids who have not had lessons yet or have very little experience. Hotels, resorts, condos, apartments, and public swimming pools should take steps to make sure everyone is safe, and the same holds true for homeowners who own private swimming pools. If you are a parent with young children, it is very important to keep an eye on your kids at all times while they are swimming or near the pool.
Dog Bites
Dogs spend a lot more time outdoors in the summertime, and they often accompany their owners on summer road trips. Being around so many strangers can trigger aggressive behavior, even from normally well-behaved dogs. Dog attacks can result in severe injuries, especially when they attack small children. Owners need to be watching their pets at all times to make sure they do not cause harm to someone.
Enjoy Your Summer, and Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman if You Need Us
We at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation. But if you or a loved one does happen to get injured because of someone else’s negligence, we are always here to help. For a free consultation and case assessment with one of our experienced attorneys, call us at 412-567-1232 or toll-free at 866-466-5789 or send us an online message.
