Labor Day is the last big summer celebration before the fall begins, but it is also known for accidents and injuries. This is a popular holiday for traveling, meaning a greater amount of people will be on the roadways.
It is important for both tourists and locals to share the road, take precautions while celebrating, and be safe while in the heat. More people will be on the road, which means more car accidents. If someone feels they are not at fault for their injuries that happened over Labor Day weekend, they should consult a lawyer right away.
Before the Labor Day holiday weekend begins, everyone should review important safety tips. Listed below are ways you can stay safe on Labor Day weekend.
Be Prepared
Plan your journey ahead of time and be prepared for any inconveniences. It may be beneficial to add in additional time so any unexpected stops or delays do not affect your original travel plan.
Nowadays, everyone has their cellphone on them, but is everyone remembering to bring their phone charger? Keep your cellphone charged in case of an emergency or if you need directions. It is also helpful to pack supplies in the car, such as first-aid kits, extra water, any bug repellents, and medications. It is easy to forget about these little details, but it may save you a trip to the emergency room in the long run.
Drive Safe
Always buckle up your seat belt when you are in a vehicle, and abide by all road rules. Drivers should be aware of their surroundings when sharing the road with other cars, motorcycles, and bikes.
During this time, it is important to follow the flow of traffic rather than speed. When a driver speeds, they are increasing their risk for a car accident. Following the posted speed limit is essential.
If you plan on drinking, the driving situation must be decided beforehand. If everyone at a party has been drinking, plan on taking public transportation or a rideshare service.
Grill and Fire Safety
When it comes to hosting a party, there are a different set of rules to follow. The host should make sure there are no children or animals near the grill, firepit, fireworks, or any other hot equipment. The host should make sure the grill is clean to avoid any fires. They should always make sure it is attended to when on and that any harsh utensils are not in the way of grilling.
If there are going to be fireworks, children should be far away, and there should always be someone monitoring the situation. If everyone is gathered around the firepit, it is vital that no one is close enough that they can get hurt or the fire could get out of control. Mixing a firepit with children, animals, and alcohol could cause problems, so supervision is key to avoid accidents and severe injuries. In this situation, the goal is to avoid anyone from getting burned.
Outdoor Hazards
Everyone should make sure that they are using sunscreen. No one wants to come home from a long weekend with a severe sunburn right before school or work. It can get very hot during Labor Day weekend, and it is easy to forget to stay hydrated. By keeping hydrated and applying sunscreen when it is needed, you can prevent heat-related illnesses.
Along with heat comes the bugs. If you are celebrating outside, it will be helpful to have bug spray or citronella candles to lessen the chance of getting bit. Getting a bug bite in the heat can be very uncomfortable, but bites from ticks can also create infections.
Travel With Loved Ones
If parents go to a rest stop while traveling, they should never leave their children unattended, especially when needing to use public restrooms. When traveling to new places, it is helpful to have a loved one nearby. When visiting public attractions, like lakes, parks, and beaches, it can be helpful to have someone come along in case of an unexpected injury or accident.
Stay Safe Near Bodies of Water
When it comes to swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, make sure children are supervised. If boating, rafting, or tubing, life vests must be worn to prevent injuries. If a child does not know how to swim, they should not be alone in the water.
While out on a boat, it is important that everyone knows safety procedures and rules in case of an accident or emergency. This is essential if there are children on board or if a group of people have been drinking while out on the water. Being intoxicated on a boat is grounds for consequences.
Pittsburgh Personal Injury Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Help Clients With Labor Day Accidents
Our Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. are available to help those who are in need of legal assistance after a Labor Day accident. Labor Day celebrations are enjoyable, but accidents can happen if people act recklessly. If you become injured in a Labor Day accident, call us at 412-765-1888 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Pittsburgh, and we serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Lawrence County, and Washington County.