The calendar and the weather are both turning warmer and sunnier this weekend as spring officially begins. With the change in seasons comes more time spent doing outside activities, and unfortunately some on-again-off-again changes in the weather and conditions. These changes can create some situations that could be dangerous or hazardous conditions to watch out for. Read on for 4 tips for keeping safe this spring.
Bicycle Safety
Bicycle riding is a popular recreation activity as well as a means of commuting for many people. While there are many health and environmental benefits of bike riding, sharing the road can be challenging and dangerous. The CDC reports over 1000 fatalities and almost 500,000 people injured in bicycle accidents every year. Always wear a helmet, and replace it every three to five years (or after a major impact). Children may prefer wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads to prevent sprains and scrapes when learning to ride.
Motorcycle Safety
The majority of motorcycle crashes occur between the months of May and September. If you’re a rider in New Jersey, it is illegal to ride without a helmet. It’s even safer to make sure you have proper gear to protect yourself against impact, road rash and wind such as gloves, goggles, jackets and pants.
One of the biggest reasons that motorcycle accidents occur is because motorcyclists are not seen in time. Motorcycles can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots or obscured by objects or the landscape outside a car, like large shrubs, trees or fences. If you're driving a car or truck, always take your time and make sure to look for motorcycles when changing lanes or turning at intersections. Use caution when driving behind a motorcycle and understand how motorcycles might behave slightly differently on the road.
Dog Safety
With so many people at home for such an extended period of time, the pandemic has led to a rise in dog ownership. Many new dog owners are starting to go out more with their pets, whether it's a walk through the neighborhood or exposing their dog to more situations. For some dogs, these new experiences can be threatening and lead to anxiety, which in turn increases the risk for a dog to become aggressive. In fact, early studies show that there has been an increase in dog bites since the pandemic.
If you’re a dog owner make sure to practice responsible dog ownership by properly socializing and training your dog, keep your dog leashed in public, and avoiding risky situations. Whether or not you own a dog, you should be aware of how to approach (or not approach) a dog and make sure to educate your children on dog safety to prevent a dog bite.
Slips, Trip and Falls
Spring is notorious for a constantly changing weather pattern. While it may be sunny and warm one day, the next day could see plummeting temperatures with ice, rain or other slippery conditions. Even though winter feels like it should be behind us, be cautious on wet surfaces. If you own property, you still may need to treat sidewalks, driveways and pavement to prevent accidents.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured
Of course, if you’ve been injured, seek medical treatment immediately. If you believe that injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or reckless conduct, you have rights to compensation for your injuries. At Brandon J Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in compassionate client care and will answer your questions and advise you on next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success, we can get you the justice you deserve.