At this time of year, large crowds at Miami and area events are commonplace. Whether you’re attending a music festival, special get-together, or other special event in South Florida, it’s not uncommon to see tens of thousands – or even more – people in the audience or crowd.
Crowds aren’t without their risks. There’s always the risk of pickpocketing, trampling, panic, and other serious injuries. If you are in any crowd, there are a few ways to stay safe:
1) Be prepared.
Know what to expect before you show up and bring enough basics – such as water – so you can stay hydrated even when you are in the middle of the crowd. Avoid bringing valuables to reduce the risk of theft. Consider going in a group so you can all watch out for each other.
2) Try to go when crowds are not at their peak.
If you’re going to see a concert, you may not be able to avoid a crowd. However, if you’re going to an amusement park, you may be able to avoid some amusement park injuries and may enjoy shorter lines by going during off-peak hours. You‘ll be able to enjoy the park more and you may be at lower risk for injury.
3) Go with the flow.
If you’re trying to move around inside of the crowd, look for groups of people moving in the same direction as you and move with the flow of traffic. Trying to move against the flow of traffic increases the chances that you may fall down or run into obstacles that hurt you.
4) Stick to the edges.
Look for areas that aren’t as crowded, even within the crowd. These may be less risky.
5) Be able to communicate with your group.
Crowds may be less daunting and more secure if you go with a group of friends. If so, have a place where you can all meet up if you’re separated and communicate with your cell phones or mobile devices if you lose track of each other.
6) Look out for your physical safety if you fall.
Trip and fall injuries are a serious concern crowds in Miami and other cities. You may simply not be able to see your feet well enough to be able to notice uneven sidewalks, obstacles, and other issues. In addition, individuals in the crowd may be dropping items – such as water bottles – which can pose a tripping hazard.
Move slowly if you can and keep an eye out on the ground to avoid this issue. If you do fall to the ground at any point, make yourself a smaller target by curling yourself up into a ball. This may help prevent people stepping on you and injuring you.
If you have been injured in a crowd and believe that negligent security or other issues may have caused your injuries, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. In Florida, you may have the right to seek compensation and damages if your injuries were caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness. Contact our caring law firm at our Hollywood, Homestead, or Miami offices to find out more.