8 Tailgating Safety Tips
Tailgating is already in full swing, which means thousands of sports fans are at risk of injuries. Sports fans across the country love pre-game festivities, particularly tailgating parties. However, many things could go wrong during tailgating, which is why it is important to follow specific tailgating safety tips to protect yourself, your friends, and everyone around you from hazards.
Before you head off to your next game, there are certain safety precautions you should take to protect yourself from minor injuries such as sunburns and food poisoning, to more serious injuries that could include assaults or car accidents. If you or your loved one was hurt during tailgating or other pre-game festivities, consider speaking with an attorney. At The Mark Casto Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are committed to helping injured victims receive the compensation they deserve. Visit with our experienced attorneys to identify your options for compensation in your tailgating accident in Columbus or elsewhere in Georgia. Call 706-940-4002 for a free case evaluation.
Tailgating Safety Tips for Your Next Game Day
Whether you are hosting a party at your house or tailgating in the parking lot at a stadium or arena, taking precautions will be key to ensuring that everyone has a safe and fun time.
1. Drive Safely
Unless you are hosting a tailgating party at your home, chances are you will have to drive yourself and your friends to the parking lot at a stadium or arena. As you may know, gameday traffic can be horrible, which is why it might make sense to leave early to arrive on time and avoid traffic jams. When driving to a tailgating event, make sure you drive slowly, drive sober, and avoid distractions.
Slow down when driving through a parking lot to avoid hitting other cars or pedestrians. According to the National Safety Council, parking lot accidents result in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries every year. Additionally, make sure to drive defensively as many other drivers may be operating their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. Secure a Safe Place for Tailgating
Many “tailgaters” choose parking lots as a venue for tailgating. While parking lots are not exactly the safest place for festivities that involve consuming alcoholic beverages and grilling meat, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe environment for everyone. It may be a good idea to enclose your tailgating party zone with your cars or other noticeable barriers.
3. Practice Food Safety
Food poisoning can ruin any party, especially for those who are tailgating ahead of a big game. Since most tailgaters grill burgers, meat, and fish, it is critical to practice food safety to avoid contamination and poisoning.
When preparing raw meat, make sure to wash and sanitize utensils and surfaces. In addition, wash your hands before and after they come in contact with raw meat. It is also vital to follow safe grilling guidelines if your tailgating party involves grilling meat or fish. According to FoodSafety.gov, the minimum cooking temperature for pork, fish, and fresh beef, lamb, and veal is 145°F, while poultry should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Thus, make sure you have a meat thermometer to ensure your meat and fish is cooked enough to kill harmful bacteria.
4. Keep a Fire Extinguisher on Hand at All Times
If your tailgating party involves grilling and other activities with open fire, you should keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times. It is also essential to have a first aid kit on hand because you never know what might happen during the festivities that involve grilling and consumption of alcohol.
5. Drink Responsibly
Drinking responsibly is one of the most essential tailgating safety tips. For most tailgaters, tailgating and alcohol consumption go hand in hand. However, many people forget about the importance of drinking responsibly when they attend tailgating events. There are many hazards that could result in preventable injuries when tailgating involves alcoholic beverages.
If you are going to consume alcoholic beverages at a tailgate, make sure that you alternate alcohol with water and eat enough food. Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident involving an intoxicated motorist, consider speaking with an attorney at The Mark Casto Law Firm to determine whether or not you can obtain compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
6. Stay Warm
Many states, including Georgia, have unpredictable fall weather. The weather for game time can turn really cold, really fast, especially if you tailgate outside at a parking lot. For this reason, it is vital to keep yourself warm. Bring multiple layers of clothing, including a jacket or coat, to keep you warm throughout the event.
7. Protect Yourself from the Sun and Stay Hydrated
When tailgating on a hot day, tailgaters should not forget about sun protection and hydration. If you are planning to spend hours outdoors exposed to the sun, make sure that you bring sunscreen with you. Many tailgaters also forget about proper hydration when having fun at a tailgating party. Hot weather and consumption of alcoholic beverages can contribute to dehydration, which is why it is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
8. Designate a Driver
When tailgating involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages, it is vital to designate a sober driver to drive everyone home after the party is over. If anyone from your group does not consume alcohol at tailgating and has a driver’s license, select them as the designated driver. If everyone is going to consume alcoholic beverages, you could simply order rideshare.
Speak with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you sustained injuries at a tailgating party or were the victim of a car crash caused by an intoxicated driver after the game, consider contacting an experienced attorney to help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your damages and losses.
While tailgating safety tips can help minimize the risk of injuries, they cannot prevent all accidents. If you were hurt, schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys at The Mark Casto Law Firm to discuss your compensation options following a tailgating event. Call 706-450-7071 today.