Health Matters: The Deadly Days of Summer – Stay Safe with These Tips from an ER Doctor

As a board-certified emergency room physician, I frequently see a high volume of injuries, especially during the summer months. While most people associate summer with fun and sunshine, it’s also the most hazardous time of year for serious injuries and accidents.

The good news? Most of these accidents are preventable with just a few simple safety steps.

Water Can Be Fun—But It Can Also Be Dangerous

Swimming, boating, and floating on the river are some of the best parts of summer. However, each year, I treat patients who end up in the ER due to water-related accidents. Sometimes they nearly drown, or they get seriously hurt diving into shallow water.

Here are some key tips to stay safe in the water:

• Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking, or floating in rivers and lakes. Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard by currents.
• Never swim alone. Ensure someone is always nearby in case of an emergency.
• Avoid diving into water unless you are certain of its depth. Spinal cord injuries often occur from diving into unknown or shallow areas.
• Watch children closely. Drowning can happen quickly and silently—even in shallow water. Heads up! Phones Down!

Don’t Drive Distracted

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading reasons for ER visits during summer. Many are the result of distracted driving—texting, adjusting music, or simply not paying attention.

To stay safe on the road:

• Keep your phone out of reach. Enable "Do Not Disturb" mode to avoid being tempted to check messages.
• Maintain focus. Both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
• Slow down. Speeding decreases your ability to react to hazards.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts truly do save lives.

Helmets Save Lives—It’s That Simple

Whether you're riding a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, or ATV, a helmet can mean the difference between walking away and sustaining a traumatic brain injury.

My advice to my patients:

• Always wear a helmet—no exceptions. Treat it like your seatbelt.
• Ensure a proper fit. Snug, level, and secure.
• Set a good example. Kids are more likely to wear helmets if adults do too.

Look Both Ways—Pedestrian Safety Matters

With more people out walking, jogging, and biking in summer, pedestrian-related injuries rise. Some of the most devastating injuries I see involve pedestrians struck by vehicles.

Pedestrian safety tips:

• Use sidewalks when available. If none, walk facing traffic so you can see what’s coming.
• Be visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing—especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
• Cross at crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume they see you.
• Avoid distractions. Stay alert—don’t walk while distracted by your phone.

Summer Should Be Fun—Not Spent in the ER

As a Montana native, I love seeing families outside enjoying our state’s beautiful summer. But as an emergency physician, I’m reminded daily how quickly fun can turn into tragedy when safety is ignored.

You don’t have to give up summer fun to stay safe. A few simple precautions—wearing a life jacket, putting your phone down, and wearing a helmet—can prevent tragedy and help ensure your summer memories are joyful ones. These choices could save your life—or the life of someone you care about.