Summer is supposed to be about fun and excitement. Unfortunately, breaks from routine and some summertime activities can create a host of risks and hazards, including:
1) Amusement park accidents. Summer is peak time for Florida’s many amusement parks, but larger crowds can also mean more traffic and more accidents. In May 2011, a woman was found unconscious at a ride at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. In March 2010, an employee at Walt Disney World was injured after a guest struck him with a car. That same month, eight people were injured in a Florida bus accident near Epcot. The crash involved a Disney bus and Waldorf-Astoria bus near Epcot. In April 2010, a boy was killed after being struck by a bus at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. In March 2011, a Disney employee was injured after being struck by a guest driving a car.
2) Pool accidents and near drownings. Unfortunately, Florida pool accidents are very common in the summer, when many residents flock to pools to beat the heat. If you have a pool, make sure that it is well supervised and has a self-locking locked gate that keeps the pool safe when you are away. As well, there are devices that can be worn on your child’s wrist. When the devices are submerged in water, they emit an alarm.
3) Boating accidents. Authorities have been cracking down on Florida boating accidents – especially those caused by boating under the influence – but the state still leads the nation in the number of boating injuries and fatalities. To enjoy boating safely, take advantage of a boating course and be sure to always boat sober. Have enough life jackets for all your passengers.
4) Burn injuries. Summer can mean a higher risk of burn injuries, partly because of more fireworks and more grilling and barbecuing. Make sure that your smoke detector systems are working and have fresh batteries this summer. If you decide to grill or have a fire near your home this summer, have a fire extinguisher handy and ensure that flames are well away from the house and from any flammable areas (such as the deck).
5) Traffic accidents. More road trips during the summer and more traffic during tourist season can mean more Florida bus accidents, bicycle accidents, car accidents, and traffic accidents. This is a good time to pledge not to drive distracted or under the influence – and stick to that resolution. It’s also a good idea to have your car checked, since a car that responds well can help you avoid a collision.
6) Children left behind in cars. In the summer, a closed car can become dangerously hot in just minutes, yet every year some parents forget a child or pet in a car when running errands – sometimes with tragic consequences. This summer, two children in Southwest Florida were forgotten in a car in the space of one week alone; one child in Cape Coral passed away as a result of the injuries sustained. It is important to always check the back seat of the car when stepping out of the car. As well, there are devices available which sound an alarm when a parent walks six feet away from the car with a child still in the back seat of the vehicle.
At the Flaxman Law Group, we wish your family a safe and happy summer. However, our legal team is also aware of the dangers of summer. As a result, our phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that you can always reach a live person if you have sustained an injury. If you have sustained an injury, contact the Flaxman Law Group in Hollywood, Homestead, or Hollywood for a free accident consultation to discuss your case. Our experienced legal team can help you understand your options and your rights, so that you can make the right decisions for your case.