Tips on Labor Day Weekend Safety Tips Will Help Avoid Personal Injuries in Ohio

The people of Ohio like most people in America will take to the parks, beaches, pools, picnic areas, and boating activities this Labor Day weekend. Here are some Labor Day weekend safety tips so all Ohioans have a safe and happy end to summer weekend

With Labor Day just around the corner and many people are anticipating the celebration of the last hurrah of the end of summer Wright & Schulte would like to remind everyone of Labor Day weekend safety tips. Labor Day can be a risky occasion on which to drive, because Labor Day activities and parties often involve unsafe activities like drinking and operating machinery not normally used, such as water skis and boats. Last year, during the 4-day holiday period, there we a total of 2,292 Ohio crashes, 996 crash-related injuries, 16 deaths, and 7 alcohol-related deaths. Labor Day in Ohio had the second-highest death count due to alcohol of all the holidays, proceeded only by Memorial Day, which had 8 alcohol-related deaths in 2013. [http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/2013CrashFacts.pdf, January 2014]

This year, the Ohio State Patrol is urging Ohio residents to follow some Labor Day weekend safety tips to ensure they stay safe this Labor Day whether on the road, on the water, or participating in any other activities. Due to the holiday, Ohio police will be setting up extra patrols to catch people breaking the law through speeding or drunk driving. Police will also be watching Ohio boaters. Between 2003 and 2012, a total of 128 boaters were killed in Ohio waterways. Although this is a gradual decline from previous decades, it is still a high number of deaths.

Ohio Police states that individuals who drink should not operate machinery of any kind-whether it is a boat, vehicle, golf cart, or even a jet ski. Alcohol slows reaction time and increases the risk of dangerous accidents- particularly during holiday weekends when more people are on the road and in the water.

Labor Day weekend safety tips

The Red Cross has put together a list of safety tips for Labor Day celebrations to help Ohio residents prevent Labor Day accidents.

Travel Tips

• Never drink and drive.
• Don’t engage in distractions while driving, such as texting or making phone calls.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Carry an emergency kit in the car.
• Know your destination, route, and planned arrival time.

  Boating Tips

• Pay attention to other vessels in the water.
• Never operate a boat while drinking alcohol.
• Observe all water laws and boating speeds.
• Ohio law requires passengers where a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket in the following situations:
• While riding a personal watercraft
• While waterskiing
• All children under age 10 on boats smaller than 18 feet long
• Make sure the boat is working properly before leaving and ensure you have a way to get back to shore safely.

  Swimming Tips

• Check water and weather conditions before entering the water.
• Never swim alone.
• Swim in designated swimming areas.
• Supervise children at all times.

  Grilling Tips

• Keep grills away from roofs, houses, trees, and other flammable objects.
• Keep children and animals away from grills.
• Don’t add starter fluid to ignited coals.

  By following these Labor Day weekend safety tips, you can have a safe and healthy Labor Day weekend with fun, food, and no emergency room visits. [http://www.redcross.org/news/article/mn/minneapolis/Red-Cross-Issues-Safety-Tips-for-Labor-Day-Weekend, August 2014]