As summer is approaching, it is important to prepare accordingly. School is out for summer, the weather is beautiful, and children just want to have fun! Safety practices are the best way to ensure a happy and healthy season for you, your family, and others around you.

Driving Safety Tips

Many of you already perform standard safety precautions on a daily basis. However, vehicle maintenance is just as important as taking caution while driving. After enduring a cold winter, it is important to prepare your vehicle for the heatwaves approaching. According to AAA News Room, heat-related breakdowns are quite common, and other dangerous situations may arise related to hot weather. By taking the right precautions, these incidents are easily avoidable.
Some of these precautions include:

• Check Your Fluids
• Have Your Car’s Belts and Hoses Inspected
• Replace Your Battery
• Monitor Your Tire Pressure
• Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car
• Keep Your Car’s Interior Cool
• Consider Taking Highways Instead of Side Streets

Once your car has had the proper maintenance, it is important to exercise responsibility as a driver. Take breaks when driving long distances, switch drivers or check into a hotel, and stay hydrated.

Safe Riding Tips

As a driver, you are always instructed to take caution of other vehicles and pedestrians you share the road with. Incidentally, these precautions apply to cyclists as well. If you are a parent, it is important to educate your children on bicycle safety, because many of them spend their summer outdoors on their bicycles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “You should always inspect your bike to make sure all parts are secure and working properly.”
Remember to:

• Wear a properly fitted Helmet
• Adjust your Bicycle to Fit
• Check your Equipment
• See and Be Seen
• Control your Bicycle
• Watch for and Avoid Road Hazards
• Avoid Riding at Night

Many of these precautions are as simple as being prepared and aware. The NHTSA emphasizes that bicycle-related crashes resulting in injury or death are associated with a bicyclist’s behavior. “Always wear a helmet AND follow the rules of the road.”
Rules of the Road Include:

• Go with the Traffic Flow
• Obey all Traffic Laws
• Yield to Traffic When Appropriate
• Be Predictable
• Stay Alert at All Times
• Look Before Turning
• Watch for Parked Cars

Educate yourself and others to keep your summer safe.

Beach Safety

Your car’s ready, bikes are strapped in, and the sun is shining! What better place to go than the beach? NY/NJ beaches will be opening May 28th 2016 and much like driving and cycling, it is important to take precaution. The ocean is an unpredictable body of water that can cause accidents resulting in death.
Although you cannot prevent all beach accidents, the American Red Cross states it is important to do the following:

• Learn How to Swim in the Surf
• Swim Only at Lifeguard Protected Beaches
• Obey All Instructions from Lifeguards
• Keep Alert
• Check Local Weather Conditions
• Make Sure to Swim Sober and Never Alone
• Protect Your Head/Neck – Check water depth before diving
• Keep a Close Eye on Children and the Elderly
• Watch Out for Aquatic Life
• Wear Sunscreen

For additional Beach Safety tips, please follow the link to hear from one of our very own, Ginarte Law Firm Attorney, Bruno Brunini.

SOURCES:

• http://www.nhtsa.gov/
• http://icsw.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/KidsandBikeSafetyWeb/
• http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies
• http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Tips-for-a-Safe-Beach-Trip
• https://www.idrivesafely.com/driving-resources/how-to/drive-in-extreme-heat/
• http://newsroom.aaa.com/2011/07/help-your-car-survive-the-heat/