Summer is a time to enjoy all kinds of fun activities. Although many of these can be enjoyed all year long in Florida, the longer days mean that more and more people will be out and about. This can raise the risk of something going wrong and causing injuries – especially those that could have been avoided if not for someone else’s negligence.
Let’s take a look at five injury-prone summer activities and learn more about how you can stay safe.
Watercraft Recreation
Summer means that more people than usual will enjoy boating and watercraft activities more than usual. With more recreational vessels registered in Florida than in any other state, there are bound to be accidents and injuries that occur.
Protect yourself from a boating accident injury by ensuring your vessel is in good condition. Before leaving the dock or launch ramp, perform a thorough safety check to make sure everyone has a personal floatation device and knows how to use it. Make sure to obey all maritime traffic laws and keep a sharp eye out for people and obstacles in the water, not to mention other vessels.
Bicycling
People enjoy bicycling all year round in Florida, but there can be a noticeable uptick in the number of people enjoying this outdoor activity during summer. Whenever you’re on your bicycle, always make sure to follow all applicable traffic laws. Watch out for other drivers and never assume they’re looking out for you (even if they should be!).
Bicycle accidents involving cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries, which may include head or spinal cord injuries. Less serious accidents may still involve broken bones, severe lacerations, and other injuries that may require costly medical care.
ATV Riding
Riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) can be a thrill, but make sure you’re wearing protective clothing and a helmet. Riders can fall or get thrown from their ATVs in an accident, which can lead to broken bones, lacerations, as well as head and neck injuries. Always make sure you know what’s ahead of you on the path and keep an eye out for other riders.
Holiday Travel
Holiday travel isn’t necessarily a “summer fun” activity, but there are more motorists on the roads to contend with during summer, especially on holiday weekends such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day. If you’re traveling among holiday traffic, be extra vigilant for other motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and road hazards. The last thing anyone wants is to deal with an injury from a car accident!
Fireworks Use
Florida is more permissive than most states when it comes to personal fireworks use on the Fourth of July. While shooting off a firework on any other day of the year (except New Year’s Eve and Day) is illegal, Florida residents can do so on Independence Day.
While state law is very permissive, make sure your local laws and ordinances permit this activity! Above all else, of course, exercise extreme caution and safety if you choose to handle fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices on July 4. Burn injuries and the loss of limbs (particularly fingers) are very common injuries sustained during that time of year!
Is Someone Else Responsible for Your Injuries?
Although most summer injuries won’t spark lawsuits, those that were caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness can. If you were injured and believe a responsible party should be held accountable for what occurred, our attorney at Paulsen Law Group can help you pursue legal action.
Learn more about legal options that may be available to you by scheduling a free consultation. Contact us online now to get started.