June Is National Safety Month – So Play It Safe, South Carolina

The month of June marks the beginning of summer and it is also National Safety Month. What better time than this month to discuss staying safe? As personal injury attorneys, we know perhaps better than most that accidents can happen when you least expect it. You can be the most careful driver, but still, fall victim to another’s negligent or reckless driving. Or, despite paying attention to where you are going, you can slip and fall in the grocery store after stepping on an unmarked hazard. Some accidents are unavoidable; however, there are things you can do to avoid some of the most common accidental injuries.

Boating Accidents

Each year, 2,500 people are seriously injured, and more than 600 killed in boating accidents. Not only are many of these accidents avoidable, but boat passengers who take the necessary safety precautions are less likely to suffer serious injury in the event of an accident.

Next time you head out on a boating trip, keep the following in mind:

Be responsible – It is not only up to the driver of the boat to ensure a safe trip. Passengers, too, should foster a safe environment by refraining from distracting the driver. While there is nothing wrong with passengers having a drink while on the water, passengers should discourage the driver from drinking, as alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of South Carolina boat accidents.

Ride with an experienced operator – Driving a boat is a lot of fun—for those who know how to do it. Before getting behind the wheel of a boat, be sure you have recently taken a boater’s education course and understand how to drive the vessel safely. And if you are riding as a passenger, insist that anyone who drives the boat is familiar with the boat and understands boating rules and customs.

Wear a life-preserver – Life jackets are designed to keep you afloat and to keep your head above water in the event you lose consciousness. The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself while on the water is to wear a life vest. Regardless of whether the boat is moving or stationary, you should wear a life vest at all times.

Be aware of the weather – June marks the beginning of hurricane season. Before heading out on the water, check the weather forecast to make sure that you do not get trapped in a  storm.

Snake Bites

South Carolina offers a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, beachcombing, off-roading, and everything in between. However, one often overlooked danger when enjoying the outdoors is snakebites. Each year, between 7,000 and 8,000 people are bit by venomous snakes in the United States. While few people die after getting bitten, snakebites must be taken seriously.

If you or anyone you are with gets bitten by a snake, here are a few tips to rely on until you can get to the nearest doctor:

• Lie down so that the bite is lower than your heart.
• Remain calm and try to stay as still as possible.
• Wash the affected area with warm, soapy water.
• Cover the bite with a clean bandage.
• Try to take a picture of the snake that bit you. This can save valuable time for doctors who must decide which antivenom to use.
• Seek medical treatment immediately if there is any question about the snake being poisonous.

Motorcycles

South Carolina is one of the most dangerous states for motorcycle riders. In recent years it was second only to Mississippi in terms of the number of fatalities to riders. Motorcyclists face a host of issues while riding and the summer months bring out riders across the state. 

Staying safe on a bike means taking extra precautions including:
• Don’t drink and ride.
• Wear a helmet.
• Maintain a safe distance at all times from other drivers.
• Anticipate the unexpected from other drivers.
• Avoid poorly maintained roads.
• Have a little fear. 

Summer is a great time to be outdoors in South Carolina. With a little preparation and precaution, you can make this an injury-free National Safety month.

Accidents Happen, and We Can Help

If you have been hurt in an accident caused by another’s negligence, the dedicated South Carolina personal injury lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm can help. Our attorneys have decades of experience working with accident victims to assist them in obtaining compensation for their injuries. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to answer all your questions and explain the process to you in clear, understandable terms. We take cases on a contingency basis which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. To learn more about the services we provide and to schedule your free consultation, reach out to a Steinberg Law Firm attorney at 843-720-2800. You can also contact us through our online form, and one of our attorneys will get back to you shortly.