New York City offers countless opportunities for individuals, couples, and families to take advantage of the warm weather that summer brings. But before you take a date to Governors Island for zip lining or bring the kids to Coney Island for cotton candy, it’s wise to consider the potential risks involved in your favorite activities.
There are all kinds of hazards unique to the summer season, and failing to acknowledge them could lead to serious injuries. Below are a few of the biggest safety concerns to keep in mind:
- Tire Blowouts
Although tire blowouts can happen at any time, they’re especially common during the summer. This is primarily because tire pressure increases as the temperature rises.
For every 10 degrees that the temperature goes up, the pressure in your vehicle’s tires will increase by roughly 1 psi. That means if you haven’t adjusted their pressure since winter, they may be overinflated and more likely to burst.
- Defective Propane Tanks
Before you throw burgers and dogs on the grill, check the propane. Defective tanks have the potential to cause serious injuries in the event of an explosion. It’s also wise to review the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website periodically to confirm that none of your grilling equipment has been recalled.
- Faulty Playground Equipment
Playground equipment manufacturers have a duty to ensure their goods are reasonably safe when used for their intended purpose. Likewise, schools, daycares, and municipalities have a duty to maintain their equipment to a reasonable standard.
A small defect in playground equipment could lead to severe injuries to children. Unfortunately, more than 200,000 children visit the emergency department annually with playground-related injuries, many of which involve faulty equipment.
- Swimming Pools
There are all sorts of ways an accident can happen in or around a swimming pool. To prevent injuries, children should be taught swimming pool safety guidelines and closely monitored.
- Defective Fireworks
Some of the laws regarding fireworks and sparkling devices vary from county to county. Generally speaking, though, fireworks are illegal throughout the state of New York while sparklers are permitted in certain cities on certain dates. This, however, doesn’t always deter people from bringing in fireworks from other states. If you will be near fireworks on Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day, be sure to practice proper fireworks safety etiquette.
According to the National Safety Council, fireworks-related accidents claimed eight lives in 2017. Another 12,000 people were hurt badly enough that they required medical care. Additionally, fireworks are responsible for starting roughly 18,500 fires around the country every year.
Call 212-421-0300 to Discuss Your Case with a New York City Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a member of your family suffers an injury in an accident that someone else causes, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to discuss your case. During your free consultation, we will answer your questions and help you determine the most strategic path forward. Call 212-421-0300 or use our Online Contact Form to speak with a personal injury lawyer in New York City.
