Be Fun, and Smart, in the Sun: Road Trips and Water Safety Tips
The warm summer months bring with them children happy to be done with school, adults excited to enjoy the nice weather and vacation time, and plenty of time to relax in the sun. With a little over half of Americans taking a vacation this year, chances are you may be one of them.
Hitting the Road
If you’re hitting the road this summer, you’re probably eager to get to your vacation destination. Despite the light, aka the sun, at the end of the tunnel, you still need to stay cautious when getting there. Roads are packed during the summer holiday, with both tourists in your city and with people making their way to their own summer vacation spots. Getting your car or RV protected with insurance and prepared for your summer travels can take a weight off your shoulders. It’s important not to do just the minimum though. Drivers need to stay vigilant on the road to protect themselves and those around them.
The means summer months can be even more dangerous for driving than the winter ones. In the winter, bad road conditions are expected, so drivers are more aware. The months of May, June, July and August have some of the highest fatal car crashes out of the year in the United States. People may be distracted by the thought of their destination, tired after being in the sun all day, or maybe even simply preoccupied by the other passengers in the car.
Tourists visiting a new place may also be distracted by maps and GPS guides. This can cause them to drive slower than normal and can split the driver’s attention. If you’re traveling somewhere foreign during these upcoming summer months, it’s responsible to have a designated navigator to help you on your journey.
Cool Off in the Water
Whether it’s the beach, the lake, or the pool, the water is one spot that isn’t too hot for people of all ages to enjoy. No matter where you’re enjoying the water, it’s crucial to ensure that everyone who plans on getting in knows how to swim. If there are people who can’t swim or
1 https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/#summersurvey
2 https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Crashes/CrashesTime.aspx
are inexperienced, set aside a shallow area for them to still be able to enjoy the water in. It’s still necessary to make sure this area is well-supervised in case of an accident.
The threat of drowning is present at any body of water but is especially prevalent at the beach where tides and waves can be unpredictable. Most lakes also have low visibility, so it’s alarmingly easy, and quick, to lose sight of a child in the water. Aside from drowning, there are a lot of other things to consider when ensuring the safety of your water-filled fun.
Backyard swimming pools are a hub for fun activities over the summer. There are a few things homeowners can do to make sure their pool stays safe during this time and year-round. A backyard pool should be secured, like a home, in case of unwanted visitors. Examples of backyard and pool security are gates with self-latching mechanisms and fences surrounding the deck and pool area. It may be beneficial to alarm the entry points to the pool and deck as well. Lifesaving equipment, such as life preserves, are also recommended. Your backyard pool should have regular maintenance checks to ensure the chemicals and filters are working properly.
Getting out on the water is one of the best parts of going to the lake, but boat owners have to understand the liability concerns that come with the luxury. Boat owners are responsible for the safety of their craft and the safety of the passengers on board with them. Boat insurance can cover different areas, such as: property damage liability, collision damage, bodily injury liability, hull coverage, and fuel spill liability. 4 The driver and passengers alike should take safety precautions when getting out on the water. Boats need to have the proper safety equipment in case of an emergency. Having the proper boat insurance and safety precautions will lessen the risk associated with having fun on the water.
What about protecting your home while away? Stay tuned for our next blog on protecting your home when you’re on vacation! And contact us today to learn more about how Penny Insurance can help increase your fun and decrease your worry this summer.
https://www.travelers.com/resources/home/safety/swimming-pool-safety-tips
https://www.boat-ed.com/blog/2017/06/26/answers-to-the-top-9-questions-about- boat-insurance////////////