On Saturday, June 17th, attorneys David Daggett and Griff Shuler of Daggett Shuler Law appeared on Triad Today to share summer safety tips for kids. Watch the segment to learn some simple ways to keep everyone safe this summer:
Bike Safety Tips
Did you know that 90% of head injuries sustained while riding a bike can be prevented by helmets? In fact, wearing a helmet every time you ride is the most important thing you can do to stay safe. When kids are learning to ride, falls are common. If a fall happens, your head tends to make contact with the ground first. A properly-fitting helmet is the most critical thing you need before you ride. The distance doesn’t matter – whether it’s a twenty mile ride or just learning in the driveway; a fall can happen at any time. In North Carolina, helmets are required for anyone aged 16 and under.
Another required piece of equipment in North Carolina is lights on your bike. You always need to assume that drivers can’t see you, so making yourself as visible as possible is the best approach. From dusk until dawn, a bright light on the front of the bike and a red light on the back are mandatory. Wearing bright or reflective clothing is another great idea and boosts your visibility.
Check out our video series on bike safety tips for more information.
Swimming Safety Tips
While swimming is a very popular summer activity, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4, and the second leading cause for kids aged 5-15. Drownings can often happen because the person supervising the swimmers cannot see them. Bright-colored swimsuits are the best choice for kids – blue or gray swimwear can be nearly impossible to spot underwater.
Parents need to be vigilant about supervising younger swimmers as drowning can occur in an instant. Always keep a close eye on the activity; don’t be distracted by other people or your phone. Be sure to emphasize good pool safety such as no diving in shallow water and no running around the pool.
As always, prevention is the key. Getting a child enrolled in swim lessons as soon as possible is always a good idea. There are many community organizations that offer swim lessons, such as your local Y.
For more information about swimming safety, bike safety, and North Carolina bike laws, please visit our resources page for e-books and infographics on these topics.
Later in the episode, David also participated in the Roundtable discussion with Ogi Overman and Rosemary Plybon. They talked about current news items and political issues.
We Support the Triad Community
As always, the team at Daggett Shuler Law is proud to help support efforts to make a positive impact in our local area and support our students. Our Safe Sober program and annual backpack program are just some of the ways we strive to serve our community. We believe in setting an example and supporting those working to improve the quality and health of our communities.
About Daggett Shuler
The personal injury and disability lawyers at Daggett Shuler Law represent clients throughout North Carolina. Fill out our contact form or call 336-724-1234 for more information or a free, no-obligation consultation.