While summer may be winding down on the calendar, the unrelenting heat reminds us that the dog days of summer are far from over. As you head outside to take advantage of the last few weeks of the warm weather, we want you to stay safe and be aware of the most common summer hazards. Whether it’s a design or manufacturing defect in a common outdoor product, negligent neighbors who inadvertently create dangerous situations, or simple carelessness that leads to an unfortunate accident, staying alert to potential hazards will ensure the remainder of your summer is carefree and relaxing. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Lawn mowers
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC), more than 253,000 people were treated for lawn mower-related injuries in 2017, including cuts, loss of fingers and toes, crushed and broken bones, burns, and other injuries. Before mowing your lawn, we encourage you to always remove debris, such as rocks, sticks, toys, or other potential projectiles from your yard since they pose a very real danger if they get caught up in the mower blades: the energy transferred by a typical lawn mower blade is equivalent to being shot with a .357 Magnum! Injuries can also result from tip-over accidents on riding mowers, or loss of control issues with both riding and push mowers. In fact, riding lawn mower injuries are the most common cause of major limb loss in young children in the U.S. We strongly advise you to never allow children to ride on garden tractors or riding mowers. A bit of preparation and a dose of common sense can help to prevent lawn mower injuries.
Trampolines
Although it might seem like a fun way to get some exercise or allow children to let off a bit of energy, trampolines—whether above- or in-ground—are a common cause of backyard accidents. Almost all trampoline injuries are sustained by children between the ages of 5 and 15 and the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages owning or using backyard trampolines. Colliding with the springs or the frame can result in cuts, bruises, sprains, fractures, and dental injuries. Far more serious injuries, such as concussions and devastating head and neck injuries, can also occur from landing too hard or at the wrong angle. If you do own a trampoline, never allow more than one person on the trampoline at a time and always discourage tricks, flips, or somersaults.
Slip ‘N Slides
Introduced in the 1960s, the Slip ’N Slide (or products like it) can be found in many backyards across America, even today. It was originally designed as a toy for children and had a stated weight limit of 125 pounds, a fact that many people either didn’t know or chose to ignore since many adults used them as well, sometimes with devastating consequences. When adults jump and try to slide across the wet surface, they are not always propelled properly across the plastic due to their weight, causing them to stop abruptly. The forward momentum can drive the weight of their body directly onto their necks, leading to severe spinal cord injuries that result in quadriplegia, paraplegia, or even death. Although the CPSC warned consumers that the slide was intended only for children—not adults or teenagers—these products were never recalled. If you have a slip ‘n slide or similar product, be sure to check the instructions and never allow people who exceed the maximum weight limit to use it.
Boats
If you’re the owner of one of the nearly 12 million recreational vessels registered in the U.S., we hope you enjoy your time on the water and encourage you to follow some simple safety measures. In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 2,126 injuries and 564 deaths as a result of boating accidents, 81% of which were drownings. One preventative measure you can take is taking a course on how to operate your vessel properly, including how to drive in bad weather and strong currents. Know how to dock your boat safely and always have enough properly-fitting life jackets for every passenger on board. While cruising, watch out for logs or other debris that might be submerged in the water because hitting these at high speeds can result in ejections or other onboard injuries. Above all, we urge you not to drink and drive; alcohol is the leading contributor to fatal boating accidents.
Dog Bites
The summer heat (and more time outside) may cause some dogs to be more aggressive. And as the good weather brings with it an increase in the number of outdoor activities and events at which dogs and people come together, the chance of an adverse interaction also increases. The unfortunate truth is, you cannot predict when a dog might bite or how severe the injury could be. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States and 1 in 5 of those require medical attention. Children, mainly due to their size and often erratic behavior, are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured. Unfortunately, most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs. Read more about dog bite injuries and liability in our blog.
Fireworks
Although banned for personal use in Massachusetts, some people still set off fireworks illegally in their own backyard. The state ban exists for a reason: almost 10,000 people were treated in the ER for firework injuries last year, with more than half of the injuries occurring to the head, face, ears, and hands. Even sparklers, while seemingly more innocuous than rockets or other types of fireworks, can pose a grave danger. Sparklers burn at around 2,000 degrees, which is as hot as a blow torch! Adding to the danger, the CPSC reports that in 2023, “almost 20% of firework products were found to contain noncompliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload.” We strongly encourage you to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals: not only is it dangerous, it’s illegal!
Grills & Firepits
Summer nights were made for having friends over and throwing some burgers on the grill. If your gathering includes little ones, take extra precautions to keep them away from hot coals, grill grates, and open flames. Charcoal and lighter fluid should always be kept out of reach of children. Additionally, always use your grill or barbecue outdoors where there is plenty of ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s also a good idea to check the CSPC for potential recalls before the season begins in case you own any potentially dangerous products, including propane tanks or grills.
Bikes
Statistics show that four out of five people don’t wear a helmet while riding their bike. We can’t stress enough how important it is to always wear a properly-fitting bicycle helmet while riding. And by wearing your own helmet, you are teaching your kids the importance of wearing theirs. If you do have an accident, your helmet can reduce the likelihood of a traumatic brain injury by up to 53%. Read more about bike safety and your homeowners insurance in our blog.
With these safety tips in mind, slather on the sunscreen, stay hydrated, and enjoy the last few weeks of summer vacation safely!
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to product defects or negligence, including pool-related injuries, call the experienced personal injury lawyers at Parker Scheer to see if you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
