Important Labor Day Safety Tips from Aronfeld Trial Lawyers

Labor Day is one of the busiest travel times of the year. While some people are taking cruises or European vacations, others are staying close to home visiting Florida’s nearby beaches and state parks.

Whatever your plans are, it is important to be patient on the roads this weekend. Plan trips carefully and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Our firm would like to share some important safety tips to keep you and your loved ones
safe this holiday weekend.

DRIVING SAFETY:

Do not drive impaired. If you are planning to drink, have a designated driver or ride share service, to get you home safely.
Avoid driving at night. Try to do most driving during daylight hours; motorists driving under the influence are usually on the road after 9:00 p.m.
If you see an impaired or aggressive driver, call *FHP (*347) or 911.
Obey speed limits and drive defensively on the highway.
Buckle up. Seatbelts can reduce the risk of fatal injury to drivers and front-seat passengers in SUVs, pickups, and vans by 60%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do not drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and your mind focused on driving.
Get plenty of rest before you get behind the wheel. Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.

WATER SAFETY:

Drowning accidents in residential swimming pools are significantly higher involving children between the ages of one and four. If you attend a Labor Day pool party this weekend, always keep an eye on your children. Never leave children unattended near the water, not even for a moment.

Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket if you are a child or inexperienced swimmer.
Avoid alcohol consumption before or during swimming.
Be aware of dangerous water conditions like rip currents.
Read and obey all rules and posted signs at the pool.

OUTDOOR COOKING:

Place your grill (at least 10 feet) away from your home or any other structure that could possibly catch fire.
Make sure your grill is located on a flat, level surface.
Keep children and pets away from the grill.
Never leave the grill unattended.
Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire.
Avoid pouring lighter fluid on hot charcoal. This is the leading cause of grill-related burns.
Never light a grill on a balcony or inside any structure as it is extremely dangerous for all building occupants.
Wear appropriate clothing. Clothing that has long sleeves or pieces that dangle can catch fire when close to the flame.

HEAT SAFETY:

Extreme heat can occur quickly and sometimes without warning. Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index. Something we are familiar with in South Florida. It is important for residents and tourists to take precautions, especially those who are most at risk, such as children, infants, older adults, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers, and pregnant people.

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol, or have a high sugar content. These can all contribute to dehydration and make a heat-related illness worse.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Protect your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
If you or a loved one feels lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
Stay cool. Take cool showers or baths or wear a wet scarf or bandana to help minimize the effects of the heat.
Do not forget about your pets. Keep them in an air-conditioned area and provide them with plenty of water. If they must remain outdoors, make sure they have access to a cool, shaded area with plenty of fresh water.

BOATING SAFETY:

Always check the weather conditions before setting sail.
Alcohol and boating do not mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, all of which are necessary for safe boating, especially for the vessel operator.
Before leaving shore, ensure your boat is in good working condition and all safety equipment is on board and fully operational.
Have at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every passenger on the boat.
Prior to any boat excursion, give a reliable person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. In the event of an emergency, this information could be the key to finding you and bringing help to your location.

Some of the most common causes of boating accidents we see as South Florida personal injury attorneys, include:

Operator Negligence: In many cases, accidents occur due to operator error, such as inattentiveness, speeding, or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as storms, high winds, and fog, can contribute to accidents, making navigation challenging. Sudden shifts in the weather, which are as unpredictable as they are common in Florida, can make the seas erratic and extremely dangerous.
Equipment Failures: Mechanical failures, such as engine problems or steering issues, can lead to accidents if not promptly addressed.
Collisions: Collisions with other vessels, stationary objects, or underwater hazards are common accidents on the water. Boats are required in Florida to maintain a safe distance from one another; however, this can become challenging in narrow waterways and canals.
Inexperienced Operators: Novice boaters may lack the skills and knowledge
needed to safely navigate, increasing the risk of accidents.

If you are involved in any type of accident this Labor Day weekend- whether it be a car accident, pedestrian accident or an accident on a cruise ship, our firm is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Spencer Aronfeld is a Board Certified Trial Lawyer. He and the attorneys at Aronfeld Trial Lawyers understand Florida’s complex personal injury laws. Since 1991 we have fought hard to protect the legal rights of the injured and their families. Contact us today and speak with an experienced injury attorney toll free at 1-866-597-4529, local 305-441-0440, or by email. We offer a free initial consultation at your home, office, hotel, or hospital. Call us today, we are ready to help.