June Is Safety Awareness Month: Tips to Stay Safe

June 27, 2018

The National Safety Council (NSC) is committed to educating people of all ages across the United States in order to keep us all from harm whenever possible. In June, the NSC is observing National Safety Month – an entire 30 days dedicated to learning how to stay safe and decreasing risks of injuries.

Families, schools, employers, and other groups can get materials from the NSC website and can participate in suggested activities to learn and spread awareness. Some activities include identifying potential hazards in your neighborhood, holding trivia contests about safety, and sharing information about National Safety Month on social media.

The motto of the month is #No1GetsHurt and each week is dedicated to a different area of Safety:

  • Emergency preparedness
  • Wellness
  • Falls
  • Driving

The spirit of the month led us to wonder: How safe are you on a daily basis? Here we present some tips to follow so that you and your family can avoid as many accidents and injuries as possible.

Safety on the Road

Many people in California rely on personal cars for transportation. In addition, many people also drive as part of their jobs. This can include commercial truck drivers, bus drivers, Uber and Lyft drivers, delivery drivers, construction and utility workers, and many more. In addition, many people enjoy riding bicycles and motorcycles enjoying our beautiful California weather.

Every time you are on the road, be aware of the risks of accidents and injuries. Many factors can cause cars, trucks, motorcycles, or bicycles to crash, many of which involve driver error. The following are some steps you can take to stay safe behind the wheel and protect your passengers and others on the road:

  • Avoid distractions. Of course, you should never text or use your smartphone while you are driving. Not only is this illegal, it is one of the most dangerous driving distractions. Stay focused on the road and refrain from activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, programming GPS, picking things up from the floorboard, paying attention to children in the back, or anything else that distracts you from the task of driving.
  • Get a tune-up. Vehicles need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in safe operating condition. National Safety Month is the perfect time to take your car in for an inspection to ensure that nothing will malfunction while you are driving.
  • Follow all traffic laws. When drivers violate traffic laws, it causes serious accidents. Sometimes you may not realize you failed to yield properly or that you are following too closely. Refresh your memory regarding all California traffic laws and make sure to review these laws with any new drivers in your family. Be careful not to speed, run red lights, drive while impaired, or commit any other dangerous violations.

Even if you are the safest driver on the road, always watch out for signs that someone else may be aggressive, distracted, drunk, or otherwise dangerous. If you see a dangerous driver, call 911 and report it before that driver causes an accident. Also, always know what to do if you are involved in an accident – call 911, seek medical attention, and call an attorney.

Safety at Home

Many injuries can happen right inside your own home. Injuries at home are commonly caused by dangerous products or dangerous conditions that you have not repaired. There are many types of products that can be defective or dangerous in your house – even products that seem completely safe and harmless. Such products can include:

  • Baby and toddler products
  • Toys and recreational equipment
  • Appliances
  • Furniture

When products malfunction, they can cause falls, electrical injuries, burns, lacerations, and other injuries. You should review the potential risks of certain products and ensure that any possibly dangerous products are out of reach of children.

In addition, you should perform an inspection and any necessary maintenance in and around your home. Make sure railings are not loose, floors are not too slippery, rugs all have anti-slip pads, no objects can easily fall, and address any other hazards.

Safety in the Community

Most of us spend a lot of time out and about in the community. Whether you are shopping, eating at a restaurant, going to the beach, going to the pool, or engaging in sporting events, you would be surprised how many types of accidents may occur. First, you may slip and fall if a store or property owner failed to correct a dangerous condition in a store, restaurant, or parking lot. Stay aware when visiting businesses and take your time so you do not fall. Next, be careful around any strange dogs, as you do not know their temperament and even previously calm dogs have been known to bite.

Remind your children of the hazards that can be in a pool area and make sure they know the rules of the pool area and that they never swim alone. Review safety precautions children should take with strangers, as well as at theme parks, water parks, and other similar destinations.

Call Our Riverside Serious Personal Injury Attorneys as Soon as Possible

The personal injury lawyers of Aitken Aitken Cohn hope that everyone in California stays safe and free from injuries this summer. However, we also know that even the safest people can still get seriously hurt due to the negligence of others. When a negligent party causes you harm, you have the right to take legal action to hold that party fully responsible for your medical bills and other losses. The recovery process can be challenging, so you need to seek assistance from an experienced accident and injury law firm to ensure all of your losses are covered.

After an injury, you should have an attorney examine your rights to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Our legal team handles every aspect of the legal process for our clients to allow them to better focus on recovering from their injuries. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please call 951-534-4006 or contact us online.