In another week the school year ends.
We hope students enjoy their last few days with their peers before heading off to leisurely pursuits for July and August. Soon enough, school will start again.
There are a few things that come with summer.
Water sports – whether fishing, boating, swimming or pool parties – these are places where tragedy can strike. Often the OPP will issue a seasonal warning about having protective safety gear and the perils of drinking and boating. There is also the thrill-seeker aspect where daring boaters travel far too fast for the body of water. Be aware and keep an eye on poor swimmers.
Off-road vehicles can be a lot of fun too, but carry with them danger for those who are inexperienced. The other vexing concern – again – is the mixing of substances and drinking while driving around. Helmets and other safety equipment remain a must, particularly for young people.
The penalties for drug and alcohol use while operating a motorized vehicle of any type are serious. Everyone knows this, yet we still see people taking a chance, hoping not to get caught.
The larger problem with this mindset is that other unsuspecting people are on roads and waterways too. It is very often the bystanders who are most affected should there be an accident or tragedy. Let’s try and stamp out this selfish activity this summer.
Of course, vacationers need to get to where they are going for all this fun to start. That in itself can be a perilous trek. A month back, we had three close calls to and from work. Each incident involved a driver passing on the crest of a hill, in contravention of no-passing lineage painted on the road.
As holiday traffic increases, be entirely aware of your surroundings. This means checking behind and ahead for what’s coming or could potentially interfere with your drive. Defensive driving means safe driving.
Adding to that mix are what entails distracted driving. It is illegal to text and drive or use a phone without hands-free technology. We consider this more a menace than speeding and in recent months with a heavy driving schedule we have seen everything from drivers watching videos, full-on texting in the passing lane while driving under the speed limit and more.
This brings into question why more effort isn’t made to enforce traffic laws.
Sure, speed cameras have had their impact in limited locations, but a concerted effort is needed to rid the roads of distracted and careless drivers.
Our evidence is anecdotal, but it appears to have worsened since the pandemic years ago. There are a lot of bad drivers out there.
One final point as we head into summer is a little bit about fire safety. Although some rain is in the forecast, forests and campsites are very dry and have the potential to turn into an inferno.
Campfires are part of summer, but let’s be certain to practice basic safety like having access to water and a plan to tamp it out should it start to take off. Always be aware of rules and fire orders for particularly susceptible locations.
With Canada Day soon upon us, please enjoy a happy and safe holiday.
Summer jobs
We are hearing from countless people that their kids are having trouble finding work this summer.
A discomforting economy and various other “worldly” issues factor in this.
For those lucky enough to get a job, be sure to undertake a bit of safety training. Most companies of size have such programs after numerous tragedies in the past.
Young people new to a workplace often need a primer on such things. Large or small, help your summer interns by showing the hazards and ensuring a great work experience.
For those who weren’t lucky enough to secure a position, there are countless organizations that need volunteers. It is a great way to get out of the house, help your community and experience something new.
Earn some money, reach a goal, but above all else, be safe.
