Summer is a season for road trips, cycling, boating, vacations, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. It is also a time when preventable injuries tend to increase.
At Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, we help people whose lives have been changed by serious accidents. We see firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that can follow an injury. While we are committed to helping injured people recover and move forward, it is always best to prevent injury from happening in the first place.
Here are five common causes of injury we routinely see, and a few simple steps that can help keep you and your family safe.
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Distracted Driving Collisions
Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions. Reading a text message, checking directions, or responding to a notification may seem harmless, but even a few seconds of distraction can have devastating consequences. Put the phone away and keep your attention on the road.
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Collisions Involving Cyclists and Pedestrians
Warmer weather means more people are walking, running, and cycling. Drivers should be especially vigilant at intersections, crosswalks, and in residential neighbourhoods. Cyclists and pedestrians have little protection in a collision. Give them time to completely clear the roadway before proceeding.
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Recreational Head Injuries
Cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, and scooters are popular summer activities. Unfortunately, they can also result in serious head injuries when accidents occur. Wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury.
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Boating Accidents
Ontario’s lakes and waterways are to be enjoyed, but they can also become dangerous when alcohol, drugs, excessive speed, or inexperience are involved. Stay alert, know the rules, and never operate a boat while impaired.
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Falls on Private Property
Summer gatherings often bring family and friends onto decks, patios, docks, and around pools. Loose railings, uneven stairs, damaged walkways, and poor lighting can create hazards that may not be obvious until someone gets hurt. Take a few minutes to inspect your property and address potential risks.
When a serious injury occurs, the consequences can extend far beyond the accident itself. Recovery may involve medical treatment, rehabilitation, time away from work, and significant uncertainty about the future. Remain attentive, make safe choices, and look out for one another.
At Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers, we hope you never need our services. But if you or a loved one has been seriously injured, we are here to help. We wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
