Hot Summer Temperatures Can Increase Personal Injury Risks In Naples

Naples residents are used to dealing with hot summer temps, but it is still important to be aware of the impact this type of weather can have on your health. Unfortunately, heat-related illnesses can make you more likely to suffer accidents resulting in personal injuries.  Our Naples personal injury lawyer explains more about the risks and how to protect yourself.

How The Summer Heat Can Make You More Accident Prone 

The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting higher-than-average temperatures over the summer months in Naples, which is part of a trend in which heat and humidity levels have steadily increased over the years. While residents may be used to it, be aware that it can make you more accident-prone.

Personal injury rates tend to spike over the summer months. While an increase in activities and the number of tourists in our area is partially to blame, high temperatures play a role as well. Once the weather gets over 90, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat stress, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion can happen even after otherwise brief exposures and may cause any of the following symptoms:

• General muscle weakness, impacting reflexes and coordination;
• Headaches, which can impact vision;
• Dizziness and the potential for fainting;
• Mental confusion, making you more likely to make dangerous mistakes;
• Irritability, anxiety, and panic attacks, which can make you more likely to act impulsively and without considering the consequences.

In addition to impacting your health and making you more accident-prone, the heat can also adversely affect other people you encounter. It increases the risk of car accidents, injuring drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved, motorcycle accidents, golf cart accidents, slips, trips, and falls, and other common causes of personal injuries in Naples.

Reduce Naples Personal Injury Risks Over The Summer Months

The Mayo Clinic advises that, rather than waiting until you are overheated, take precautions in advance to prevent heat-related illnesses. These include:

• Drinking plenty of water;
• Avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate you further;
• Limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun or in hot conditions;
• Eating lighter meals;
• Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Be alert to the fact that others you may encounter may be feeling the effects of the heat as well. Use caution and watch your step in stores and restaurants, avoid aggressive drivers on the road, and be alert for signs of potential problems at outdoor summer events.

Reach Out To Our Naples Personal Injury Lawyer

The summer heat can make personal injuries in Naples more likely to happen. However, negligence on the part of others involved is often ultimately responsible. If you or someone you love is hurt, reach out to Cardinal Law, P.A.. Our Naples personal injury lawyer takes the legal actions needed to help you get compensation. To request a consultation, call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

almanac.com/weather/longrange/zipcode/34104#:~:text=Summer%20will%20bring%20slightly%20above,average%2C%20with%20rainfall%20below%20normal.

cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html

newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/safety-tips-to-prevent-heat-related-illness/