5 Common Summertime Accidents to Watch out For

July 28, 2021

5 Common Summertime Accidents to Watch out For

Brighter and longer days are why people find summer the perfect season to go outside and seek pleasure in activities we can’t normally enjoy during the other seasons. Because of this, summertime has been considered “trauma season” in Canada — the outside is busy with people going to and fro in their cars and bicycles, and the unfortunately careless or negligent ones happen upon road accidents.

Even with COVID-19 movement restrictions currently in place, it’s best to be prepared for what may happen when we’re out and about. Know more about these common summertime accidents and how personal injury law can help those who have suffered summertime injuries.

1. Swimming Incidents

For many families, summer includes activities in swimming pools or other bodies of water. However, not all swimming pools, beaches, or other summer destinations are maintained properly, making serious, albeit avoidable, water-related incidents occur. So if you plan on taking a dip this summer, it is important that you know how to protect yourself.

• Many swimmers experience trauma related to jumping into a body of water. To avoid this problem, be sure to look for indications on the depth of the pool, or survey the body of water first to ensure that diving or jumping is safe.
• Common swimming incidents also happen to unsupervised children. They can disappear in seconds and can get into accidents the moment you let them out of your sight. Make sure that if you’re swimming with your children, keep an eye on them at all times.
• Boating-related injuries are also common since boating is one of the quintessential summer pastimes in Canada. To stay safe, remember to wear your life jacket, plan your route ahead of time, avoid boating in bad weather, and never boat when you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Drowning is the most common swimming incident. People of all ages are at risk of drowning: children, mostly because they are left unsupervised; and adults, because of the current or alcohol consumption.

Bear in mind that while swimming skills are important, it is not enough to save a life. Learning water safety is key to preventing an emergency in or on the water. It’s swimming skills combined with safety knowledge and skills that save lives.

2. Trampoline Falls

Recreational trampolines are a favourite of kids and young adults, but they are far from safe. With the growing popularity of trampoline parks, the number of injuries due to trampoline falls is on the rise in Canada.

You might also think that backyard trampolines are better than trampoline parks because you will be within the confines of your own home. Unfortunately, both are deemed equally dangerous. The only difference is that soft-tissue injuries and lacerations are the most common injuries sustained on backyard trampolines, while sprains are the most common injury at trampoline parks.

For these reasons, the Canadian Pediatric Society gives the following recommendations:

• Parents should not buy trampolines for their children to use at home.
• Trampolines should not be considered play equipment and should not be part of outdoor playgrounds.
• Before allowing your child to use a trampoline, carefully consider all the risks and dangers of using one.

3. Slip, Trip, and Fall

Slip and fall accidents can occur at any time, but trips to the waterparks and pools make trips, slips, and falls one of the most common causes of summertime injuries. This can be due to unsafe conditions on the property, the lack of signs in hazardous areas, or just the carelessness of others.

• Slip – Slips typically result from poor traction. Slipping and falling are commonly caused by uneven surfaces, spills, wet surfaces, or unsuitable footwear.
• Trip – Trips happen when you lose your balance after your foot hits an object. Trip and fall accidents are commonly caused by protruding objects, poorly lit stairways or walkways, blocked views, or inconsistency in the level or slope of a walking surface.
• Fall – There are two types of falls: those on the same level, and those that involve falling from a height. Fall accidents are commonly caused by uneven surfaces, poorly lit stairways or walkways, ladders, and roofs.

Most slip and fall injuries include fractures, sprains, and facial injuries, which often result in high medical bills, pain, or irreversible body conditions. When this happens, look into the cause of your injury.

4. Car Accidents

Transport Canada reports that more collisions happen between July and August than in any other month of the year. The summer weather makes for an excellent excuse for a road trip or going to your favourite vacation destinations. Unfortunately, some of us find ourselves dealing with injuries as the result of a car accident instead. More car accidents happen in the summer due to:

• More inexperienced drivers
  Once school is out, new drivers are likely to get behind the wheel. Given that teens tend to lack defensive driving skills and that they tend to be driving around more during the summer, the risk of accidents involving inexperienced drivers naturally increases during the summer season.
• More riders, cyclists, and pedestrians on the roads
  From motorcycle riders to bicyclists and pedestrians, there is simply far more traffic on the roads during summer. Riders, cyclists and pedestrians can be difficult for car drivers to notice, which is why they are prone to accidents. It is even more difficult because many motorists don’t know how to drive around motorcycles, or are simply careless around the road.
• Vehicle equipment malfunction
  The heat of summer can increase the risk of vehicle equipment malfunctions. In fact, the heat can increase the risk of tire blowouts, engine overheating, and other equipment malfunctions.

Here’s what you can do if you’re in a collision:

• Do not leave the scene of the collision.
• Call 911 if anyone is injured.
• If you can, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. Ask for help from a passerby if you are unable to move.
• Regardless of who you think is at fault for the collision, do not take responsibility nor blame the other driver involved. Doing either will only escalate the situation.
• Try to assess the damages. In Ontario, if the collision appears to have more than $2,000 in damage, it must be reported to the police. However, if anybody has been physically injured, you need to report to the police regardless of the extent of the damage.
• Take note of everything: names, addresses, contact and licence numbers, insurance company names and policy numbers, year/make/model of the vehicles, and other pertinent details.
• Jot down everything you can remember that led to the collision. Try to see if there are any witnesses and ask them if they can provide details about what they saw during the collision.
• Contact your insurer. They will be able to guide you on how to process your claim.

If you think that the accident was caused by someone’s negligence, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced car accident or auto accident lawyer to help you with your case. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you still need to get a lawyer because it can be more complicated and the injuries can be more severe. You’ll need the best motorcycle accident lawyer to represent you.

5. Bicycle Accidents

With more cyclists out and about on the road, bicycle accidents occur more frequently in the summertime. Bicycle accidents often result when drivers don’t look out for cyclists. This is common in cyclist-motorist accidents because many motorists are careless when it comes to cyclists.

If you are in a bicycle accident, your injuries may include broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord fractures, all of which come with unbearable pain. When you ride a bike, you always need to make sure that you have proper safety equipment like a helmet and reflectors, and remain aware of traffic.

If you are injured in a biking accident due to a careless action by a motorist, you are within your rights to sue the negligent driver for damage resulting from your injury. Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer so you will know what benefits are available to you. Your bicycle accident lawyer will help you get the right compensation.

Keep Safe this Summertime

Nobody is exempt from danger, but you can always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Splash safely this summer with these reminders from Public Safety Canada:

• Stay cool in the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water, find shade, visit cool buildings, bathe in cool water, and wear light-coloured clothing.
• Wear the right helmet. If you’re cycling, skating, or skateboarding, the additional cushioning in a helmet could save your life just in case the worst happens.
• Stay safe while camping. If you encounter strong winds, hail, or tornado while you are camping, make every effort to get to a suitable shelter, like a building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• Pack an emergency kit. Make sure that you include items like a flashlight, radio, food, water, and a manual can opener. Don’t forget first aid items such as bandages, gauze, alcohol, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, and gloves.
• Splash safely. When spending time in the waters, never leave a child unattended. Make sure that you follow safety precautions when doing any kind of water activities.

Stay safe on the roads. Traffic accidents are more common during the summer, so follow traffic signs and always be aware of your surroundings.

Car Accident in Ontario? Give Us A Call

However much we try to keep safe, accidents remain out of our control. Injuries, medical bills, lost income, and irreversible physical injuries are hard to deal with, but we believe that proper compensation can help you in your recovery.

If you’ve been in an automobile accident in Ontario, contact Michelle Linka Law at 416-477-7288 for a free consultation. We have offices in Toronto, Whitby, and Petersborough. Rest assured, we charge no fees until we win your battle!