New York City, NY / June 13, 2019 /-- Summer is supposed to be a time for relaxing, vacationing, and getting a break from the daily grind. Unfortunately, warmer temperatures, outdoor activities and travel can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
In fact, some summer injuries are so common that people don’t realize they could pursue an injury claim against the person or entity responsible for the accident. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and lost wages and should speak with an NYC personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Here are five common summer injuries to keep in mind as you make vacation plans. While it’s important to enjoy the season, it’s also important to make safety a top priority.
Sunburns
Sunburns are just a summertime rite of passage, right? Well, not so fast. Dermatologists warn that even a one-time sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. Studies show that the rate of skin cancer in the United States has increased, and rates of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — have also gone up.
In past decades, many parents encouraged their children to get a “base burn” to purportedly protect their skin against future burns. However, medical experts say this practice is dangerous. Instead, children should wear sunscreen, hats, and suitable clothing that shields their skin from harmful UV rays.
Furthermore, caregivers at daycares, camps, and schools are obligated to ensure that children are properly protected from the sun. In 2015, two young boys were airlifted to a children’s hospital for intensive treatment after being severely sunburned during a field trip while attending daycare.
Car Accidents
Regardless of the season, car accidents are an unfortunate risk every time you drive. However, data shows that car accident rates increase in summer months. Additionally, the rate of drunk driving accidents also increases between June and September.
There are a few reasons why driving in the summer is more dangerous than other times of the year. With school out, there are more teen drivers on the roads. Summer is traditionally a time for vacations, which means more travelers on the highways. In addition to more travelers on the road, longer daylight hours during the summer means that people tend to be out and about for more extended periods.
Heat Illnesses
Even in New York City, summer temperatures can reach into the 90s and even the 100s. While this can be extremely dangerous for a person of any age, historically children and the elderly are at the highest risk of succumbing to a heat-related illness. Child care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals have an obligation to ensure the people under their care are adequately hydrated and kept at cool temperatures.
Cycling Injuries
Cycling is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy nature, and see the city. However, cycling in New York City poses many hazards — especially in the summer, when the city sees an increase in traffic and tourists. While this doesn’t mean you should put away your bicycle for good, you should make an effort to stay as safe as possible any time you cycle.
New York ranks 10th among all the states for cyclist deaths, with 2.4 deaths per every million residents. The Washington Post reports that cycling fatalities are also on the rise across most of the country, especially in large cities. The Post also reports that the average age of cyclists killed in traffic accidents has climbed significantly as a growing number of people cycle rather than walk or ride to work. In 2015, for example, the average age of cyclists killed in traffic accidents was 45.
If you cycle in the city — or anywhere else — it’s crucial to use designated bike paths whenever possible. It’s also important to avoid distractions, such as music or a smartphone.
Pedestrian Injuries
The number of pedestrian fatalities has skyrocketed in recent years. NPR reports that pedestrian deaths hit a 25-year high for the second year in a row in 2017. The report cites data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, which stated that almost 6,000 pedestrians were killed in the United States in 2017.
Tragically, New Yorkers are all too familiar with the hazards of navigating the city’s busy streets. While other types of traffic deaths have declined since the early 2000s, pedestrian fatalities continue to increase sharply. When the weather gets warm, people are more likely to walk rather than take a cab or bus. With more people on the street, the accident rates typically increase.
Safety experts say it’s critical for pedestrians to avoid distractions. For example, pedestrians should forego headphones or any earbuds that could muffle noise. Pedestrians can also stay safer by putting their phones away while they walk. If you’re looking down at a text or email as you walk, you could accidentally step into the path of an oncoming vehicle or encounter another type of hazard.
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Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/the-dangers-of-sunburn-even-for-people-with-darker-skin
- https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/oklahoma-kids-sunburn_us_55b78ccfe4b0a13f9d1a1ba2
- https://www.esurance.com/info/car/dangers-of-summer-driving
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/heat-related_illnesses_heat_cramps_heat_exhaustion_heat_stroke_90,P01611
- http://www.governing.com/gov-data/transportation-infrastructure/most-bicycle-cyclist-deaths-per-capita-by-state-data.html?r
- https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/02/28/589453431/pedestrian-fatalities-remain-at-25-year-high-for-second-year-in-a-row
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/bike-riding-isnt-childs-play-anymore-and-cycling-crash-deaths-are-soaring/2017/08/23/abbcb22e-8773-11e7-a94f-3139abce39f5_story.html?utm_term=.bbaaf31d2c98
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