Summer Safety!

Jun 02, 2022

Summer is finally on the horizon! Which means the temperature has begun to rise. It is very important to know how to stay safe and cool in the heat. 

Exposure to extreme heat and UV rays can be very dangerous. Not only can you quickly dehydrate, become dizzy, and nauseous, but repeated exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer.

Learn the 5 S's to be SUN SMART this summer.

  • Slip on a long-sleeved shirt or sun protective clothing

  • Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater, and re-apply every two hours

  • Slap on a hat, the wider the brim the better

  • Seek shade or shelter during peak sun exposure times, generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Slide on UV-protective sunglasses to protect the eyes

Summer ALSO means that there will be a lot of new drivers on the road!

Here are some tips:

  1. Choose a safer vehicle. The IIHS shows that some vehicles are much safer than others, with most teens driving older-model vehicles that lack newer safety features. Instead, choose a larger vehicle that provides more protection and a newer model year that includes some of the latest safety technologies.
  2. Avoid passengers. Unless necessary, teens should skip the passengers and drive solo so they can focus on the road and surroundings. Some states have driving restrictions that prohibit new teen drivers from carrying other young adults as passengers.
  3. Don’t drink and drive. Impaired driving can significantly increase the risk of a fatal crash and cost thousands of dollars in damages. Parents of teens should talk with their teens about safe alternatives to driving impaired and have a plan in place.
  4. Make seat belt use mandatory. Buckling up can reduce the risk of severe or fatal injury by half. Get yourself and your teens in the habit of using seat belts every time you are in the car until it becomes second nature.
  5. Make sure your teen gets plenty of rest. The National Safety Council reports that drowsy driving is responsible for 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities each year. Be sure your teen gets plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel.
  6. Discourage cell phone use.Cell phones are an easy distraction that can cost lives if you are not careful. Make sure your teen knows never to use their phone when driving, or look into installing restrictions on their phone to prevent use while driving.
  7. Teach teens about their vehicle. Before they start the car, take a moment to familiarize your teen with all of the vital controls and features and ensure they are comfortable using them. Teach them to adjust the seat and mirrors, and make sure they know where turn signals, windshield wipers and hazard lights are located, so they don’t have to fumble for them in a hurry.

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