Along with honoring those who have given their lives for our country, Memorial Day weekend is meant to be a time to relax with your loved ones. Whether you’re taking off on a family road trip or simply hanging out in the backyard with friends, it’s important to prioritize safety so that no one gets injured during the festivities. Here are a few smart tips from our Bucks County accident attorney that will help you and your loved ones enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend without any catastrophes:
- Exercise care when setting off fireworks – Each Memorial Day, red, white and blue fireworks light up the sky across the U.S. If you choose to create your own patriotic fireworks show, be sure to do so in a spacious area away from buildings and anything else that could catch on fire, such as trees and shrubs. Never let children set off fireworks; instead, assign the duty to a responsible adult who is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. After a firework is done putting off sparks, allow time for it to cool off and then soak it in a bucket of water before throwing it in the trash.
- Practice water safety – As long as the weather allows it, Memorial Day weekend is a great opportunity to go for a boat ride or a swim. If you’re taking your boat out, make sure everyone in your group wears a life jacket that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on the water. If you’re going for a dip in the pool or a nearby body of water, remember that children need to be supervised by a trustworthy adult at all times when near water. Furthermore, you and everyone else in your group should become familiar with the proper steps to save a drowning person without putting your own safety at risk.
- Grill responsibly – Grilling up yummy cookout staples like hotdogs and hamburgers is a classic Memorial Day activity. Whether you’re using a charcoal or gas grill to give your food that delicious smoky flavor, be sure the grill is placed in an outdoor area that is a safe distance from flammable objects, kids and pets. Once the grill has been lit, keep a close eye on it at all times. And when your cookout comes to an end, be sure the coals have cooled completely or the gas is shut off before leaving the area.
- Drive cautiously – If you’re hitting the road this Memorial Day weekend, our accident attorney in Bucks County recommends checking that everything is in order with your vehicle before pulling out of the driveway. Inspect the tires, lights and fluid levels to make sure that your vehicle is ready to safely transport you and your family or friends. While on the road, don’t let your gas tank get too low just in case you hit a major traffic jam. Last but not least, never drive if you’ve been drinking – arrange for someone who is sober to give you a ride or find a place to stay the night.
If you aren’t careful, your Memorial Day celebration can easily result in injuries. That’s why it’s critical to follow the aforementioned guidelines from our Bucks County accident attorney.
When the Unexpected Happens, You Can Count On Us
As the accident attorney Bucks County has relied on for more than 30 years, we here at the Heslin Law Firm know that it’s sometimes impossible to avoid accidents no matter how safety conscious you are. After all, others you encounter may not be as cautious as you are. If you or someone you love is injured in an accident this Memorial Day weekend due to another party’s negligence, our experienced accident lawyer in Bucks County, Mr. Gary Heslin, will work tirelessly to defend your rights.
If you have legal questions for Mr. Heslin or you would like to schedule a free consultation, please call our office at (215) 332-0300. And for more valuable advice from us, check out our post on driving safely in spring thunderstorms. We wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend but urge you to remember that we’re always here if you find yourself injured in an accident.