Hiking Safety Tips

Shirley Ladd, a 22-year old woman from New Hampshire, died at Acadia National Park Saturday. Ladd was hiking with another person when she fell 60-75 feet off of a hiking trail. The rescue for Ladd took 5 ½ hours and a team of 31 people from various groups including Lifeflight of Maine, Acadia Mountain Guides, and Bar Harbor Fire Department. Ladd was pronounced dead after arriving at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Many people enjoy hiking, but hiking can be very dangerous. It is imperative to obey rules and be prepared for emergencies. Always stay on the designated trail. Never wonder off the trail because it may not be safe. There could be slip, trip, and fall hazards, poisonous plants, and other things lurking. Another rule of thumb, follow all posted signs. They are there for a reason.

Taking the “buddy” approach is also important when going hiking. If you have at least two or three other people with you, you can all watch out for each other and someone is there to get help if something happens to a member of your party. Be considerate to other hikers on the trail. Leave any gate how you found it, do not change or move signs around, and do not remove someone else’s flags.

Before you go on your next hike; be prepared. Always keep an up-to-date map of the location. Carry a compass and GPS with you just in case you get lost. Wear the proper attire such as solid hiking boots. Bring extra water, especially on hot summer days to prevent dehydration and other heat related illnesses. It is also a good idea to bring a first aid kit of some sort, even if it’s a short day trip.

Drive Safe!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for people ages 5-34. With summer at its peak, and back to school around the corner there are a few things to keep in mind while on the roadways. Most traffic collisions are avoidable if the proper precautions are followed. Road traffic collisions account for the majority of personal injury claims. The CDC has classified motor vehicle accidents as a “serious public health matter.”

Next to distracted driving, especially due to cell phone use, young drivers may be a potential risk on the road because of lack of driving experience. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one leading cause of death among teens in the U.S. The most at-risk teen drivers include; males, newly licensed teens, and teen drivers with teen passengers. Distracted driving, lack of experience, and recklessness all play a role in the rate of teen accidents. Parents need to speak with their children about safe driving practices.

Another tip for staying safe on the road includes making sure younger children and infants are properly secured in motor vehicles. Safely securing infants in the proper car seat reduces the risk of death by 71% and 54% for toddlers. Children are too little to brace the impact of an accident, thus needing a safety restraint. Also, never let a child ride in the front seat of a car, ride in a car without a seat belt, car seat, or booster seat, or be in the car without adult supervision.

Driving irresponsibly is not worth taking a life or getting injured. So practice safe driving. Often accidents can be prevented, but for those hazards that cause accidents that deem inevitable, being prepared and having the proper car seat, etc. may broaden the chances of survival upon impact. And remember to keep teen drivers aware of the dangers of distracted driving.