Accidents tend to skyrocket during the summer months as the warmer weather encourages more outdoor activities, which increases the risk of injury. But with a little extra caution, you and your family can stay safe this summer. Here are a few summer safety tips to keep in mind when heading outside.

Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained

Summertime is all about road trips, garden parties and weekend getaways. And with more cars, motorcycles and people out on the road this time of year, it also leads to the higher likelihood of accidents. To keep safe this summer, make sure your vehicle is well maintained and properly inspected.  

Clear Away Debris Around Your Property

Whether you’re relaxing at the cottage, a campsite or at home, it’s a good idea to remove any potentially precarious and dangerous debris. Fallen tree branches, exposed tree roots, large rocks and broken steps can all lead to slip and fall accidents that can lead to a lawsuit.

Inspect the Pleasure Craft Before Boarding

Before you hit the water in a boat, canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard, you should always check that you have proper safety equipment and an adequate number of lifejackets on board. And in the event that you’ve been drinking beforehand, it’s best to wait before heading out as it’s illegal and dangerous to drink and drive (or paddle). 

Follow the Outdoor Fire Restrictions 

Planning to have a bonfire in your backyard or at a campsite? Before you light up a fire outdoors, make sure you check that the area is not in a “Restricted Fire Zone” and that there are no current municipality restrictions due to drought in the area. Droughts are becoming more common, and if you start a fire when restrictions are in place you could face harsh penalties and even cause a forest fire.

Swim In Designated Areas

The sad truth is that over 400 people drown in Canada every year with many of those incidents being preventable. To stay safe when out on the water, you should only swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present. It’s also wise to swim with a buddy, never alone. If you’re planning on taking your kids in the water, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times and lead by example by wearing a lifejacket if the water is deeper than 3 feet.

All of the above tips will help you avoid a personal injury this summer. If you’ve experienced a personal injury because of another person’s negligence, contact us at Zuber Brioux. We’ll help you understand your rights and receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and any associated damages.