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Accident prevention

During the summer, we spend more time away from home, which increases our risk of accidents, especially in unfamiliar places and spaces that we visit on excursions, such as beaches and mountains.

Recommendations

We must place special emphasis on ensuring that the dwelling known as a ‘second home’ or ‘rental’ is suitable for use during the summer season. Although we normally have security measures and devices in our usual homes, we must ensure that the summer dwelling is similarly adapted to minimise the risk of accidents.

It is also the season in which we make the most journeys, so we must take great care to follow the recommendations and safety measures when travelling, whether by vehicle, on foot or by bicycle.

Similarly, the heat typical of this season entails spending time with family during the holiday period, such as travelling, swimming in pools and at the beach, and so on, but it also entails exposure to inherent risks. Therefore, it is important to be aware of and implement the necessary preventive measures to ensure that we and our family can enjoy ourselves safely and healthily.

The main accidents in summer include

Traffic accidents

Preventing traffic accidents to promote safe and responsible mobility, whether by vehicle, on foot or by bicycle.

 

This section offers recommendations and advice to prevent traffic accidents during the summer season.

 

The main accidents in summer include:

From the age of 2, children learn to walk down the street and start riding bicycles. The following recommendations are offered to ensure they move safely and healthily:

  • Teach them to always cross in safe places: pedestrian crossings or those regulated by traffic lights, looking both ways before crossing and without running.
  • Walking and moving safely. Always stay on the inside of the sidewalk, without running, away from the curb, and pay attention to garage exits. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Teach children not to play around or behind vehicles or in garages. Teach them to cross at least three metres in front of a moving car and to move away as soon as it starts to move.
  • Dangerous “reversing”. Due to their size, small children can become ‘invisible’ to the driver, particularly if they are standing very close to the vehicle or behind it.
  • Following the recent amendment to the Traffic Law, the use of helmets on bicycles is mandatory for all minors under 16 years of age, both on urban and interurban roads.
  • Teach children to keep bicycles, scooters and toys off the road and to play in the right places, such as parks and gardens. Even if the road is not busy, it is not the right place to play.
  • A ball rolling into the road can be a recipe for disaster, as a child may appear shortly afterwards to retrieve it.
    Make sure you use reflective materials on bicycles, child seats, clothing and school backpacks. Whether we are pedestrians or cyclists, it is advisable to “make ourselves visible” with reflectors, especially when visibility is low.
  • When cycling at night or in poor visibility, they must have a white front light and a red rear light, as well as reflective clothing, ideally at knee height, to maximise the reflection of light from vehicle headlights.
  • Remember that cyclists are not pedestrians. You must obey all signs and drive on the right, using the bike lane if possible. Never in the opposite direction. Signal any change of direction with your arm.
  • They should not wear headphones connected to sound players, receivers or mobile phones when riding bicycles or skateboards because they isolate the wearer from their surroundings, meaning they cannot hear acoustic warning or danger signals.
  • When cycling in a group, it is best to avoid riding side by side. At most, two people per column, but it’s better in a single file.

The following recommendations are offered for travelling by vehicle throughout the year:

  • A child restraint device, such as a car seat or booster cushion, must be used until the child reaches a height of at least 135 cm. This applies even to rental vehicles or vehicles that are only used occasionally, which is very common in the summer months.
  • Special care should be taken with inappropriate footwear at this time of year (flip-flops, high heels, etc.) as it can cause problems with the vehicle’s pedals.
  • To consult road plans, maps or program navigation systems, it is necessary to stop the vehicle off the road.
  • When visiting natural areas, avoid driving at an abnormally slow speed or gazing at the landscape, to prevent sudden reactions caused by distraction. We should park the vehicle in suitable places or at viewpoints, and then spend the necessary time enjoying the view.
  • Park vehicles at a more than prudent distance from riverbeds (even if they are “old” or disused).
  • Do not venture onto paths near rivers or the sea if there is insufficient visibility to identify any danger. Of course, ensure that you have a clear escape route in case the water level or tide reaches dangerous levels.
  • Consider the tidal flows along the coast, as well as the varying high and low tide levels, which are influenced by the lunar phase.
  • If you are travelling by public transport, such as buses, it is recommended that the vehicle is fitted with seatbelts. Many already do. Inside they should avoid getting up from the seat.
  • It is common to carry hiking backpacks at this time of year, so you should remove yours from your back and place it on the floor of the vehicle before each trip. This would significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a frontal or side collision.
  • The rear center seat is the safest, especially in the event of side impacts.
  • Lock the mechanisms that open the windows and doors. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for instructions and ensure that children do not put their hands, feet or heads out of the windows.
  • For correct placement of the seat belt or restraint system:
    • The diagonal band of the belt should sit across the collarbone and over the shoulder, lying close to the chest.
    • The belly band should sit as low on the hips as possible.
    • Never wear it under your arm or behind your back.
  • Remember to adjust the headrests for all vehicle occupants, including those in the rear seats, properly.
  • Avoid carrying any loose items. Even when a child is not travelling, their car seat or booster seat must always be secured. This is because it can become a projectile and hit the driver and other occupants.
  • Do not let your guard down on short journeys or in familiar areas, such as gated mountain or beach communities. Always use safety devices and equipment correctly, such as seat belts, helmets and correctly installed child seats. ).
  • Even if you’re only getting out of the vehicle for a moment or to perform a check, avoid doing so with the engine running or the keys in the ignition.
  • Never leave babies or children unattended in a vehicle. You can suffer heatstroke in just a few minutes, even if you’re only exposed to the heat for a short time.
  • It is always mandatory to wear a protective helmet when riding a motorcycle.
‘Movilidad Segura’ in ‘Ventana Abierta a la Familia’ ‘Seguridad en el automóvil’ in ‘Ventana Abierta a la Familia’

Drownings and dives in swimming pools, the sea, lakes, rivers...

Drowning is one of the most common causes of death in the summer months. They are the second leading cause of infant mortality in the age group of one to four years olds, and they occur more frequently in private swimming pools than in public ones.

Swimming pools must be surrounded by a fence and fitted with a safety lock to prevent minors from opening them.

  • Approved armbands and floats should be used for children in swimming pools and on beaches, although these do not replace continuous adult supervision.
  • It is very important that they learn to swim as soon as possible. This would prevent any risks associated with accidentally falling into a swimming pool.
  • In public swimming pools and open water areas, such as beaches, it is advisable to identify the lifeguard. This will enable you to approach them quickly in an emergency and follow their instructions.
  • They must try to avoid dangerous practices such as diving in headfirst or drowning.
  • Do not allow them to run or push each other around the pool; they could slip or fall into the water.
  • Do not allow anyone to play with the pool grates or cleaning accessories.
  • When jumping into the water, it is best to do so without somersaults and as far away from the edge as possible.
  • Keep electrical appliances of any kind away from the pool.
    Do not enter the pool’s filtration system area barefoot or wet, nor handle electrical appliances under such circumstances.
  • There are many dangers to your safety and health in rivers, swamps, lakes and on beaches along the coast that are not designated for swimming. Try to swim in supervised areas whenever possible. That way, if you need help, you can ask for it.
  • Only swim in designated swimming areas and respect the buoys that mark the bathing zone. This will help to avoid being hit by watercraft such as jet skis and boats. )
  • Avoid entering the water too quickly, particularly after sunbathing or eating.
  • ‘We should avoid the bathroom while we are digesting.’ It is best to wait for about two hours after eating a large meal.
  • If we notice any abnormal symptoms, such as headache, neck pain, chills, fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, itching or cramps, we must get out of the water immediately and warn the lifeguards or people nearby.
  • Do not dive headfirst into water of unknown depth, as you may hit the bottom of the pool or the sea bed, which could result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury. Such injuries can lead to tetraplegia or paraplegia.
  • When diving headfirst into water, it is important to extend our arms in front of us.
  • If we are not trained and prepared to do so, we should not risk rescuing someone in distress in the water. Given the risks involved for both those rescued and the victim, it is advisable to throw a floating object, raise the alarm and ask for help.
Brochure "Prevención de Accidentes en el agua"

Poisonings, falls, and injuries at home, leisure areas, and playgrounds

This section offers advice and recommendations for preventing accidents in different environments, such as the home, leisure areas and playgrounds:

The holiday or rental home must be an extension of your usual home from a safety perspective. It is your responsibility to adopt all necessary measures to minimise the risk of a domestic accident.

  • Smoke detectors are very important. They are effective, reliable, and low cost, and help reduce home fires by 71%.
  • Fire extinguishers must be available and properly positioned.
  • To avoid electric shocks when using a hairdryer, keep the floor dry, wear footwear or use a bath mat, and never leave the dryer in the bathroom.
  • Take care with sockets, stairs, sharp furniture edges, drawers, and glass objects. Sockets should be protected with covers.
  • Use door stoppers to prevent fingers from getting caught.
  • Rugs must be secured to the floor without wrinkles or raised edges.
  • For a safe balcony, the railing must be of adequate height with appropriately spaced bars. Avoid placing plant pots, chairs, tables, or other climbable objects near the railing. Install window grilles that can be opened by adults in the event of fire.
  • Stairs must be protected with safety gates at both the top and bottom.
  • Always descend stairs with both hands free, holding the handrail.
  • In lifts, children must always be accompanied and should stand away from the door to avoid trapping their fingers.
  • Use non-slip mats both inside and outside the bathtub.
  • Keep toxic products (perfumes, bleach, creams) and sharp objects (knives, nail clippers, razors) out of children’s reach, or in drawers with safety locks.
  • Store cleaning products in their original containers — never transfer them to water bottles or other containers, which could cause confusion leading to poisoning or burns to the mouth and digestive tract.
  • Be very careful with medicines and the first-aid kit prepared for the holiday. The bedside table is the worst place to keep them. Store them in places that are difficult for children to access, or in locked containers.
  • Do not leave toys or cushions inside a travel cot that could allow the child to climb out.
  • Babies must not sleep with adults, especially on mattresses or beds in holiday accommodation, to avoid suffocation and crushing.
  • Keep children out of the kitchen while preparing food, and take special care that saucepan and frying pan handles do not protrude from the hob. It is advisable to install barrier elements to protect the cooking area.
  • Fix shelving to the wall and do not place heavy objects on upper shelves.
  • Bunk beds must not be used as a play area. Older siblings should sleep in the upper bunk and younger ones below; children under 6 must not use the upper bunk. Children with sleep disorders or bedwetting should also use the lower bunk.
  • Window grilles must be openable by adults in the event of fire.
  • In bouncy castles and inflatable slides, pay particular attention to prevent falls and collisions caused by too many children playing at once or using equipment unsuitable for their age.
  • Goalposts, basketball hoops, and other sports equipment in leisure areas must be properly anchored to the ground to prevent tipping, even if misused by children.
  • In playgrounds, children should use the areas designated for their age group.
  • Before using any equipment, check for sharp or rusted edges, sand or broken glass, and ensure swings and sports equipment (goalposts, hoops, etc.) are correctly anchored.
  • Do not jump off swings while in motion.
  • Do not push other children on slides, bouncy castles, or other play equipment.
  • Teach children safety and hygiene rules.

Additional considerations

Eye protection: Always use high-quality sunglasses that filter radiation — inadequate lenses can cause damage such as keratitis and, in the long term, cataracts.

In water: Remove contact lenses or wear corrective swimming goggles over lenses when swimming in pools or the sea. Chemical products used to maintain water quality can irritate the eyes, cause complications, and may even harbour bacteria that cause serious eye infections.

Fungal infections: Due to the heat and humidity in summer, fungal infections are more frequent. They tend to develop where two skin surfaces are in contact, such as between the toes, in the groin, or under the breasts. The most common is “athlete’s foot”. Preventive measures include: never going barefoot in gyms, pools, showers, and public areas — always use sandals or flip-flops in these spaces; wearing breathable or open footwear during the rest of the day; and drying very thoroughly after showering, especially in skin folds (between toes, groin, and under the breasts). To avoid spreading infection, never share towels or clothing.

International travel: If you are planning to travel abroad, inform your doctor in advance — in some cases, vaccinations are required well ahead of departure. Prepare a travel first-aid kit tailored to the destination and duration of the trip.

Call 112 (no prefix): available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

The number 112 is established as the single emergency number for all types of emergencies (medical, fire and rescue, public safety, etc.) throughout the European Union.

It is free and has no prefix. Mobile phones can call 112 wherever there is GSM coverage from any operator, as all networks handle these calls free of charge.

  • Stay calm and follow the operator’s guidance, answering questions in an orderly manner. You will be attended by an experienced professional.
  • Describe exactly what is happening — not what you think is happening.
  • Give the location or address of the emergency or accident as precisely as possible.
  • Provide, if known, the patient’s medical history, current medication, and time elapsed since the incident began.
  • Give other details about the victim: approximate age, sex, etc.
  • Do not hang up until told to do so — the operator may need to provide further guidance or require additional information.

In the event of a road traffic accident:

  • Protect yourself and any injured persons, and mark the area.
  • Park your vehicle safely to avoid further accidents and warn other drivers.
  • Switch off the engine of the crashed vehicle.
  • Note the time — you will be asked for it later. Assess the number of injured persons, the type of accident, and the exact location.
  • Call 112 or 061. Follow all instructions given over the phone — they are always in the interest of the injured. Do not move them and never remove a motorcyclist’s helmet.
  • If there are heavily bleeding wounds, cover them with a clean cloth and apply firm pressure until medical assistance arrives.