While many individuals anxiously wait for the summer months to arrive just so they can enjoy some sun, take a vacation, or relax a little bit while their children are out of school, the summer months are no time to put your guard down. In fact, the “summer is not the carefree period we’d like it to be,” according to Ken Kolosh who is the manager of statistics at the National Safety Council (NSC). But what’s so dangerous about the summertime? Well, according to the NSC, “more preventable, accidental deaths occur during the two months of July and August than during any other two-month period of the year.”
Some of these preventable accidents include:
- Drowning. In 2016, 656 people died from swimming, playing in the water, or falling into the water. In total, 3,786 people died from drowning in that year alone.
- Vehicular Heatstroke. So far this year, 18 children have died as a result of being left in a hot vehicle. The NSC also stated that on average, 37 children who are 15 years of age or younger die in a hot car each year. To help prevent this from happening, remember to be cognizant of who is traveling with you and even consider downloading the Backseat app as it is geared toward helping parents or caregivers avoid leaving a small child inside a hot vehicle.
- Pedestrian Deaths. In 2016, 5,987 pedestrians were killed, and it appears the numbers are continuing in an upward motion. Pedestrian deaths now account for 16% of all traffic deaths. As you know, children and families are out much more now than during the months they are in school which perhaps is one of the reasons why this type of accident spikes in number during July and August.
- Natural Disasters. Excessive heat, fires, and flooding all contributed to causing 44 people to die in 2014 during the two-month timespan.
- Gun-Related Fatalities. In 2016, more than 2,600 people were killed from an accidental shooting. July and August are the peak months for shootings so always remind your children that they aren’t toys and never leave a loaded gun in an area that is accessible to a child.
Aside from implementing safety tactics to help prevent you or your children from being involved one of these types of accidents, you always want to keep a close eye on your children, whether you are by the pool, attending a barbeque, or even in the comfort of your own home.
Just recently, a mother lost her nine-month-old child after he choked on a balloon. According to MS News Now, the Indianapolis mother and her four sons had been playing with water balloons outside but one balloon managed to find its way inside the home when they were done. The baby got hold of the balloon and before the mother could get to her son in time, he had put it in his mouth and swallowed it. The mother attempted to perform CPR when she saw he was choking but was unable to save him. Sadly, his life was cut short after only living a few months on this Earth.
Therefore, as a reminder to you and your family, remain vigilant this summer as this is the time when many fatal accidents tend to occur. And if you or someone you know has sustained an injury in a preventable accident that occurred in MS, don’t hesitate to contact Madison, MS personal injury attorney William E. Ballard. He can help identify whether you have a viable case on your hands and even assist you with recovering the compensation you are due for the damage the incident has caused.
To get in touch with Ballard Law, PLLC. visit us or call us at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
