Summer is full of fun and adventure, but it also brings increased risks for preventable injuries – especially for kids.
Intermountain Health trauma experts and injury prevention specialists are reminding people that many of these injuries can be avoided by buckling up, using the right gear, like helmets and life jackets, and following simple safety practices like staying hydrated in extreme heat.
Here are seven steps from Intermountain Health experts for Utah families to have a safe Memorial Day holiday weekend – and to prevent injury throughout the summer.
1. Buckle up
Historically, the period between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day is referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days,” because fatal car crashes nearly double during this time. Last year during that time, there were 94 fatalities, the Utah Department of Transportation reports.
On average, there is a crash on Utah roads every 10 minutes, and one in four involves distracted driving. Some of the most common contributing factors to roadway fatalities are failing to buckle up, alcohol, excessive speed, aggressive driving, and drowsy driving.
When it comes to Utah children, motor vehicle crashes are among the top two causes of death.
“Buckling up immediately when you get in the vehicle, and making sure your children are inside, seated, and properly restrained in a seatbelt, car seats or booster seats appropriate for their age and size, will help you and your family to avoid tragedy this summer,” said University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital trauma surgeon Katie Russell, MD, who is the trauma medical director at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital.
“Let every action you make reflect the love you have for the people who matter most,” said Seantae Jackson, who is a safe driving advocate and parent of a child critically injured in a crash. “Stay safe for them — and act in ways that protect others, because someone loves them just as deeply.”
In the summer of 2021, Jackson’s family was driving to a backpacking trip when another vehicle went to pass a semi-trailer and failed to see their van, hitting them head-on at freeway speeds.
The 55-year-old woman driving the other vehicle did not survive.
Jackson and her husband, Trevor, their 14-year-old twins, and a friend were critically injured in the crash.
One Jackson twin, Owen, suffered injuries including a seizure, broken back, severed optical nerve, and traumatic brain injury for which he spent nine days in a medically induced coma.
Over the years, Owen has miraculously recovered from his injuries, his mom said. This summer, he will go to Texas to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Afterward, he plans to attend college and become a firefighter.
“On paper, Owen should not be doing as well as he is,” his mom said. “It took years for him, and for all of us, to rehabilitate, and this will affect him forever.”
Trevor and Seantae Jackson founded the Sandal Blue Foundation to promote hope and healing for motor vehicle crash survivors and their families. Seantae is now a professional public speaker, sharing her insights as a patient, expressing gratitude to medical and health care teams, and educating the public about safe driving habits.
2. Gear up
Whether an experienced rider or a novice, prioritizing safety ensures a thrilling yet secure experience on the trails and roads.
Intermountain Health trauma experts advise wearing appropriate riding gear, starting with a helmet, on every ride. Helmets decrease the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88 percent, and facial injury to the upper and mid-face by 65 percent.
“Always wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet,” said McKenna Clawson, who is an advanced practice provider at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “It’s your best defense in a crash.”
Prior to hitting the trail or road:
- Inspect your bike or ATV. Ensuring that the vehicle is in optimal condition can prevent unexpected breakdowns and enhance overall safety.
- Complete the state-required off-highway vehicle education course. Kids under age 18 must complete an off-highway vehicle education course and wear a helmet when riding on public land. Adults are now required to complete a once in a lifetime course as well.
- Learn basic first aid. Being prepared for emergencies can make a significant difference in critical situations and can be invaluable during offroad adventures.
- Decide to ride within your skill level and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
3. Bike Safely
More people on bicycles and more cars on the road increases the risk of summer accidents.
Every year, more than 3.5 million U.S. children ages 14 and under are treated for injuries suffered while cycling, roller blading, skateboarding, and other sports-related activities, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports.
Keep children safe by requiring they wear a helmet that fits properly every time they ride, be it a regular bicycle, electric or motorized bikes. Adults also should wear helmets. Remember that kids grow out of helmets just like they grow out of clothes and shoes; regular fit-checks are recommended.
Make sure children wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially if they’re riding at dusk, and their bikes have the appropriate lights and reflectors so motorists can see them.
4. Be Prepared
People headed to the backcountry, with limited access to phone service and emergency help, need to be prepared.
“Go with a group and know everyone’s level of ability – including your own,” said Dr. Russell. “Falls leading to broken bones and lacerations are some of the most common accidents hikers face when they over-extend themselves.”
Check the weather forecast before leaving so you can bring the appropriate clothing and equipment, and share your travel plans with a family member.
5. Stay Cool, Stay Safe
Enjoy the sunshine and warmer temperatures safely by following these summer-smart tips:
- Hydrate often, as water is your best defense against heat illness.
- Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10 am to 4 pm, to avoid overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Cover up with light-colored, loose clothing, hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s intense rays.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.
- Know the signs of heatstroke, which include dizziness, nausea, and confusion, and act fast if these symptoms occur.
- Never leave kids in a car, even for a minute, and always check the back seat for children before you lock and leave.
6. Prevent Window Falls
When the weather is pleasant outside, many people open their windows to let the breeze in. But windows open more than 4 inches can pose a danger to young children.
Each year in the U.S., 15 to 20 children under the age of 11 die and nearly 15,000 are injured falling out of windows.
“Window screens can pop out even with a little bit of pressure from a child’s hand,” said Michelle Cameron, community health manager at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “The best way to prevent window falls is to remember the 4-Inch rule. We should open our home windows no more than 4 inches to prevent accidental falls and injuries.”
Intermountain Children’s Health is offering free window clings in English and in Spanish as a visual reminder about the 4-inch rule.
7. Stay Safe on the Water
Protect yourself and others on the water by following these safety tips:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Supervise children closely. Designate a water-watcher, and take shifts.
- Swim in designated areas.
- Avoid alcohol while boating.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
- Be aware of weather conditions and water currents.
- Avoid swimming alone.
- Have a communication device or phone handy in case of emergencies.
In the event of injury, help is available. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.
Intermountain Health experts also encourage the public to take the Summer Safety Pledge and learn how to stay safe while enjoying popular activities like boating, off-roading, and more.
To take the pledge, go to www.intermountainhealth.org/SafetyPledge.
Intermountain Health is a trusted leader in healthcare across Utah and the Mountain West, committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves. As a contributor to Cedar Valley Sentinel, Intermountain Health provides expert insights on topics ranging from wellness and prevention to emergency care, mental health, and family medicine — all with a local perspective for residents of Eagle Mountain, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, Cedar Fort, and Fairfield.
Their contributions help readers make informed decisions about their health, stay up to date on local health resources, and access expert tips from Utah’s leading medical professionals.