Summertime Risks for Accidents in Highland!

Many might think that the summer is a time for care-free fun, vacations and sunshine. Unfortunately, we face some serious risks for accidents in Highland and throughout Northern Indiana through the long, hot summer months. Not only do we face risks for auto accidents because of the increase in traffic over the summer travel season, but we also face severe risks for heat injuries with the rising temps.Our Highland personal injury attorneys understand that many people use the summer season for those much-needed vacations. When more people hit the road, our risks for accidents skyrocket. To help shift the focus back on safety, officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released Cool Tips for a Safe Summer Trip.

Preparation can be your key to avoiding a potentially fatal accident.

One of the most beneficial things you can do is to avoid dangerous driving behaviors. Officials urge you to stay calm behind the wheel. With all of the traffic, we can only expect congested roadways and traffic delays. You’re asked to plan ahead for these scenarios. Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare. You’ll also want to check weather and traffic reports so that you can plan the smoothest trip possible.

It’s also a good idea to stay focused on the road. You want to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means keep distractions out of the driver’s seat. When operating a motor vehicle, you should never talk on a cell phone, text message, eat, drink, apply makeup, play with the radio or operate a GPS system. If you have to do any of these, you should first pull over to a safe location and stop the car. Lastly, make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seat belt during each and every car ride.

Officials are also speaking out about the dangers of the heat! Heat illnesses are extremely likely during this time of the year. Highland has been seeing temps in the mid to upper 90s.

Anyone and everyone is vulnerable in this heat. Young children, our pets and elderly residents are some of the most likely to be injured by a heat illness. Those who are facing health problems, those who abuse alcohol and drugs and those who like to exercise are also highly susceptible to these kinds of injuries. Officials with the National Safety Council (NSC) are working to make sure that everyone knows what to do in the event of heatstroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.

How to treat a heat injury:

-Call 9-1-1.

-Move the person to a cool place.

-Remove any excess clothing.

-Cool them as quickly as possible. You can apply cool cloths to their neck or groin.

-Give the person some water or a sports drink.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident, contact Highland Injury Lawyer Burton A. Padove to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 219-836-2200.

More Blog Entries:

Drunk Driving Accidents in Highland and Elsewhere Likely, According to New Statistics, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, June 30, 2012

Teens and Risks for Car Accidents in Highland and Elsewhere during Summer Season, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, June 3, 2012

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