Summer marks one of the busiest seasons for family gatherings, road trips, camping, and just having fun outdoors. Even if you can’t time away from work to travel this summer, you can enjoy a nice staycation at home.
Summertime is also a season of injuries and accidents. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind whether you’re traveling or staying home.
Always Buckle Up
Although the annual Click It or Ticket campaign is wrapped up before the official start of summer, the safety initiative is a great reminder to drivers and passengers to buckle up every time. Whether you’re traveling across town or going on a coast-to-coast road trip, everyone should be buckled up, and infants and young children should be in age-appropriate safety seats.
Drive Sober
Summer nights can offer quintessential weather for sitting back and enjoying a few cold alcoholic beverages. If you’re going to drink, have a designated driver or have alternative plans, such as Uber.
According to the University of Michigan, there is no way to “sober up” fast, not coffee, a cold shower, or even exercise will make you less intoxicated. Only time will make you sober, so never drive after you’ve consumed more than a few.
Ditch Your Distractions
Distractions behind the wheel are deadly. In 2015, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in car accidents involving a distracted driver. Additionally, each year pedestrians are killed because they aren’t paying attention (and they’re looking at their cell phone).
Not only are distractions dangerous but there’s a good chance that you’ll miss some cool things. If you’re on a road trip, look at the scenery passing you by or read a good book. Rather than scrolling through social media, hit up a community event like concert or festival.
Watch For Bad Weather
Going on a hike through your city park or headed for the Grand Canyon? Summer storms can arrive with little warning and leave just as quickly. No one likes to get drenched in a downpour, but severe weather can be dangerous, especially if you’re away from home.
Check the weather forecast before you go somewhere and if possible, download a weather app to your phone so that you can keep an eye on the forecast.
Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke can be common when the temperatures rise during the summertime, but they can be prevented. Whether you’re gardening in your backyard, hanging out at the beach, or attending a parade, it’s important to stay hydrated and out of the direct sun.
By learning and remembering the signs of heat stroke, you can stay healthy and safe and even save someone else’s life. Don’t let the summer heat cut your vacation short by sending you to the hospital.
Be Prepared
If you’re going on a road trip, it’s a good idea to double check that you’re prepared in the case of a roadside emergency. Do you have enough water to drink? A spare tire? Your insurance information? Flashlights? Non-perishable food?
Getting stranded on the side of the road is never fun, but you want to make sure you have enough “essentials” to keep you safe until help arrives.
