Summer is time for fun in the sun, to stay cool at the pool, and other playful, rhyming activities. It’s vacation time, and you want to have the best possible experiences with your family. Still, just as it does to the other three seasons, danger casts its shadow over summer. So we want you to stay safe this year, and avoid some of the most common injuries and illnesses that occur during the warmer months.

• Extra people out and about. The number of pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers increases in the summer, especially those out later in the day. Because the days are longer and the nights are shorter, more people take advantage of the hours to get things done and to travel, which means an increased congestion on the roads.
• Burn injuries are more common. Fireworks, sunburn, campfires, grill injuries – there are a number of ways you can sustain a burn injury during summer.
• Dangers to children. More time in the water means an increased risk of water-related injuries, including drowning. Amusement park-related injuries also increased in the warmer months, as do playground injuries. (Point of note: a child can easily sustain a serious burn while playing on metal slides or jungle gyms.)
• Dehydration. Dehydration is a serious concern, and it is imperative that you be aware of your hydration levels at all time. You can become violently ill, or end up with sun stroke.
• Cranky wildlife. Animals can get a little crazy, especially in the “dog days” of summer. This year stayed especially warm through the winter months, too, which means we’re experiencing a boom in insect activity, especially ticks and mosquitos.

Tips on how to stay safe during the summer

In to minimalize the dangers listed above, you should use your head: be alert to your surroundings, and be prepared by keeping extra water and a first aid kit in your car or on the back of your bike. Some other summer safety tips include:

• Use sunscreen
• Use bug repellent
• Wear appropriate of clothing if you plan to be outside for a long time
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water (avoid sugary sodas and energy drinks, which can dehydrate you faster)
• Keep an eye on children in and around pools and bodies of water, and install safety railing around your own pools
• Keep a safe distance away from unknown animals, fireworks, and other dangers
• Check for insect and other animal bites every time you come indoors after spending the day near trees, shrubs and tall grasses
• Seek immediate medical treatment if you feel ill, dizzy, or disoriented

You should follow the above safety tips because accidents can happen at any time. You could sustain any variety of injuries, including concussions, bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. We know you’d prefer to be healthy and well during the summer; after all, being sick and/or injured is no fun.

Danger casts its shadow even over summer, and takes a variety of forms. However, you can minimalize the dangers if you are prepared, alert, at a safe distance, and treated immediately.

If you, a friend, or a relative were having some summer fun and suddenly got injured, you may have grounds for compensation. For more information, contact or call the Knoxville personal injury attorneys at Banks & Jones: 865-546-2141. We are proud to fight for you!