Our Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys personal injury attorneys have been providing our fellow Texans — and clients throughout the country — with superior legal representation for over 15 years.
We understand how negligence can turn our clients’ lives upside down, changing every aspect of their daily routines and overall quality of life. And the truth is, we sincerely hope no one ever needs us.
To help keep our communities safe this summer, we are offering varying activity tips that will go a long way in enjoying the season without getting hurt.
Boating Safety Tips
Summer brings individuals and families out in droves to enjoy our state’s extensive waterways on their vessels, including all types of boats, jet skis, and kayaks.
Although it is impossible to plan for other negligent boaters in the area, it is important to prepare for the factors you are responsible for.
That may include:
- Take a safety course before operating a vessel.
- Do a safety check before leaving to ensure the boat is in proper working order.
- Ensure all vessel occupants wear a life jacket while on board.
- Check the weather before leaving the dock to avoid dangerous conditions.
- Drive the vessel at a safe speed and follow all boating safety and navigational rules.
- Never mix alcohol or drugs with vessel operation.
- Do not overload the boat with passengers to avoid onboard accidents and potential sinking risks.
- Always maintain a proper lookout to avoid colliding with other vessels or stationary objects.
- Avoid distractions from electronics or the boat’s occupants.
- When stopping, follow all proper anchoring procedures, and be sure to avoid the back of the boat and engines/propellers when exiting the vessel.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
Swimming & Water Safety Tips
For those who are staying closer to home, and enjoying their swimming pool, a friend, family member, neighbor’s pool, or one at a resort or hotel, swimming and water safety are equally important.
That includes:
- Never leave a child unattended in or near a swimming pool.
- Teach kids how to stay away from the drains, to avoid getting caught underwater. Avoid using pools that are not equipped with the proper drain covers.
- Always walk when entering and exiting the pool, to avoid slips and falls.
- Avoid diving into the shallow end of a pool.
- Never swim alone.
- Always wear sunscreen when swimming outdoors and wear appropriate clothing poolside.
- Exit the pool if there is a threat of storms or lighting.
- Avoid alcohol or drug use while swimming.
Before an emergency occurs, be ready. CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or by contacting the American Red Cross.
Driving Safety Tips
Summer is the perfect time to take a road trip with the kids while they are out of school or go on an extended family vacation the old-fashioned way — by car.
When traveling in a passenger vehicle, there are multiple safety tips you can follow to help keep you and your family out of harm’s way.
They include:
- Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before leaving your home. That includes tires, fluids, windshield wipers, and other key factors to ensure everything is in working order.
- All occupants should secure their seatbelts before placing the car in drive.
- Enter the destination into the GPS before pulling away.
- Put together an emergency roadside kit to carry with you, which may include a cellphone charger, flashlight, water, first aid kit, jumper cables, blankets, and towels.
- Plan your route before you leave by checking the weather, road conditions, and traffic.
- Avoid pulling over on the side of the road unless it is an emergency — especially at night.
- Make sure you have plenty of gas between exits.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Take breaks and stretch at well-lit rest stops to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
- Share driving responsibilities to avoid fatigue.
If you are not feeling well, or are having car trouble, stop and rest or get help. Do not attempt to keep going for the sake of time, or to avoid interrupting your trip. Safety is the priority.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
Inherently, when individuals and families travel, they are often on foot exploring their destinations.
When you arrive, it is important to understand your surroundings, so you do not become disoriented and lose track of your “home base.” When you feel confused about where you are going, it is easier to make a mistake because you are distracted.
Here are tips pedestrians can follow to help remain safe while enjoying their vacation destination or stops in between:
- Familiarize yourself with the local surroundings, including any identifying landmarks near your vacation rental, hotel, or resort.
- Use sidewalks when available, as they are the safest place to walk.
- Be visible by wearing light colors.
- Stay alert to proactively avoid distracted drivers.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs that can impair your ability to walk safely.
- Cross streets at a corner, intersection, or crosswalk.
- Look both ways twice before crossing the street.
- Identify drivers who are failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians to safely avoid their turns.
- Always avoid texting, using the internet, or otherwise looking down at your phone while walking.
- Watch out for vehicles existing parking spots, lots, or garages
Although you cannot account for negligent drivers, you can pay attention to each step to ensure your and your family’s safety while on foot.
Playground Safety Tips
Summertime leads to an uptick in playground traffic throughout Texas. And why not? Most parks and playgrounds are free to visit, and provide endless opportunities for kids to play outside, on the equipment, and use their imaginations.
Here are a few ways to ensure everyone is safe while you are there:
- Check playgrounds for hazards, including rusted or broken equipment and dangerous surfaces.
- Teach children the dangers of pushing, shoving, or crowding while on the playground.
- Actively supervise the children while they play.
- Ensure that children use age-appropriate playground equipment.
- Avoid playgrounds with non-impact absorbing surfaces, such as asphalt, concrete, grass, dirt, or gravel.
- Leave bikes, backpacks, and bags away from the equipment and the play area so that no one trips over them.
- Avoid clothing with drawstrings or cords, purses, or necklaces, so they do not get caught on equipment and accidentally harm the child.
- Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
If there are any hazards in a public or backyard playground, report them immediately and do not allow children to use the equipment until it is safe.
Trampoline Safety Tips
If you own a trampoline, chances are your yard is a popular place for kids.
To help keep everyone safe during its use, be sure to:
- Place the trampoline on a level surface.
- Make sure the trampoline is set at a safe distance from trees, fences, and other hazards.
- Check equipment regularly for tears, detachments, and deterioration.
- Install safety nets and pads around the trampoline before its use.
- Limit trampoline activity to age-appropriate groups to avoid larger kids bouncing with younger children.
- Never allow unsupervised jumping.
- Never allow children to bounce off the trampoline, but instead walk to the edge, sit, and slide off.
- Never permit children to play on a wet trampoline.
Not only is it important to keep pools, playgrounds, and trampolines safe to help avoid injuries, but it is equally important to avoid being pursued during a premises liability claim in case an accident occurs.
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in any type of accident this summer in Texas, call our skilled Austin personal injury attorneys at Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
