Summer Fun Safety

Summer Fun By A LakeSummer is here and it’s time to pull out the bathing suits, tanks, and shorts and put away the sweaters, gloves, and scarves.

Children and young adults are out of school for summer break, and there are many fun recreational activities to do when the sun is shining bright.

However, you should always think ahead and take precautions to avoid injuries and property damage to yourself and others. 

Traveling with Trailers

Driving is dangerous because accidents can happen at the blink of an eye. Driving with multiple luggage and a trailer makes driving even more dangerous. Your visibility may be blocked, and you will be driving with more weight than you are typically used to. When you travel with a trailer attached to your car, things to always check and remember are to: 

  • Make sure the trailer is well-attached to your vehicle.
  • Use the correct ball and hitch receiver.
  • Always use safety chains.
  • Whether electric or hydraulic, make sure your brakes are working properly.
  • Make sure your lights, blinker, and brake lights work.
  • Invest in extended mirrors that attach to your factory mirrors to see what is behind your trailer.
  • Make wider turns.
  • Have a person spotting you when backing out.

Recreational Activities

Traveling to and from your destination is not the only safety concern. Whether you prefer to jet ski or boat out on the open water or drive ATVS or SUV’s out on some sand dunes. All these recreational activities can be dangerous. With all activities, make sure that you keep an eye out for other people, boats/jet skis/ATVs/vehicles, animals, and objects. More specifically to each activity mentioned: 

When jet skiing: 

  • Make sure you have the bracelet attached to the emergency stop on your wrist at all times.
  • Be cautious of your speed and the waves, as those can easily knock you off.

When boating: 

  • Keep a watchful eye on speed limits, no wake zones, and manatee zones.
  • Make sure your anchor is secure before leaving your boat.

With ATVs: 

  • Make sure to always wear a helmet.
  • Make sure you know how to use your ATV (for example, know where your brakes and clutch controls are).

With SUVs: 

  • Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained, working properly, and can handle the terrain you plan to drive on.
  • Know your vehicle’s limitations.

Camping

Camping is a fun activity for kids and adults of all ages. Whether you are in a public or private campground, there are still precautions and dangers that you should be aware of: 

  • If you start a fire for s’mores or warmth, make sure your fire does not spread or get out of hand.
  • Always put your fire out before heading back to your tent or camper.
  • When grilling, double check to make sure that the grill is off when you are finished cooking.
  • Be cautious of dangerous wild animals, such as bears or other potentially dangerous animals in your area.
  • Wear mosquito and bug repellent to avoid severe and/or painful stings and bites.
  • Keep your personal property secure to avoid it from getting stolen.

Legal Help

If you are injured or your property is damaged by an accident or someone else’s fault, do not hesitate to call our team of legal experts at O’Brien & Ford, PC. We will listen to what happened and advise you on what you should do next. Call (716) 330-2901 for a free consultation about your case.