Summer activities bring higher potential for accidents and mishaps

The start of school is not the end of summer fun for many North Texans as barbeques, boating, hiking, biking and swimming are nearly year round activities. But fun and freedom have a cost: statistics show that popular outdoor activities also bring a higher potential for accidents and preventable mishaps.

Here are some tips to reduce your risk in the great outdoors:

Pre-plan summer road trips: Make sure your vehicle is safe to operate; proper tire inflation and tread can prevent blowouts. Check wiper blades, engine oil level, coolant and windshield wiper fluids before beginning any extended trip.

Don’t text and drive: Texting while driving kills or injures thousands every year. Wait until you arrive at your location before you pick up that smartphone to text.

Alcohol and medication: Never drink and drive; you put yourself and everyone else on the road in danger. And be careful about taking medications while driving or operating heavy machinery – that includes your 4,000 pound vehicle!

Swimming: Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children ages one through four, but water related accidents can occur within all age groups at any time while around pools, streams or lakes. Never swim alone or in unfamiliar waters, follow posted regulations and practice situational awareness. Also consider becoming CPR trained and certified.

Pool barriers: Install fences or gates, around the pool area and be sure they’re locked when the pool is not in use, with the latch out of the reach of children. Pool fencing should have self-locking, self-closing gates.

Heat: Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be deadly. Hydrate appropriately, apply sunscreen often and seek shade during peak sun times.

Motorcycles and bicycles: Warm weather and sunny days make riding more enjoyable; share the road and be aware of two-wheeled operators.

For more information on how to safely enjoy the summer season visit:

National Safety Council: http://www.nsc.org/act/events/Pages/safety-events-summer-safety.aspx.

Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/parent/centers/summer_center.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/men/summer/.