Be aware of inherent risks in the outdoors
I was recently involved in somewhat of an accident while riding my bike on a paved trail. It all began when my buddy ran off the side of the paved path that had recently been resurfaced and in turn included a three-inch drop.
His bicycle came to an abrupt stop upon attempting to ride back onto the surfaced path. In turn, he flew over the handlebars. Although I managed to avoid his bike, he landed exactly in my path only a few feet in front of me. There was not efficient time to avoid him. In turn, my bike came to an abrupt stop, and I, too, went sailing over the handlebars.
Fortunately, our injuries were superficial. We had a little road rash here and there, and a few bruises began to rear their ugly heads shortly thereafter. But we managed to ride in the neighborhood of fifteen more miles prior to calling it a morning.
Of course, I was thankful that there were no significant injuries. However, it was alarming upon looking back and recalling that my head slammed to the pavement. I was certain that the outcome would have been far more serious if I had not been wearing a helmet.
I also recently found myself in the midst of yet another accident of sorts when a deer suddenly bounded from the woods and plowed into the side of my vehicle. Again, I made it through the episode unscathed.
Although neither of the aforementioned incidents lead to serious injury, they did cause me to ponder how those of us who spend time in the outdoors are susceptible to inherent dangers.
Personally, I am OK with the potential dangers that might lurk in the midst of Mother Nature. And I am also aware of and comfortable with the fact that many of the outdoor activities that I enjoy also carry risks.
There are times when we are simply victims of circumstance — at the wrong place at the wrong time. And there is hardly anything we could have done to foresee or avoid the repercussions.
However, there are certainly steps that we can take to lessen the odds of accidents, and there are precautions that can be taken to up the odds that we remain safe in the event something does go awry.
The aforementioned cycling accident is a perfect example of taking steps to provide safety in the event of an accident. I am aware that donning a helmet prior to every ride can prove somewhat of a burden.
However, I am also acutely aware that I could have potentially experienced severe head trauma if not for a helmet during my recent cycling accident. In turn I can say with all certainty that the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience.
And as for the recent whitetail incident, what would have transpired if I had been on my bicycle in lieu of a vehicle? The outcome could have been devastating. So something as simple as understanding what dangers might lurk in a specific area can prove most helpful.
Of course, one cannot control the actions of wild animals. However, an understanding of deer’s habits and an awareness that an area is highly populated with this particular species might cause one to consider taking the descents somewhat slower at a more controlled speed while watching for movements near the road’s edge.
Cycling is not the only outdoor activity with inherent risks. In fact, nothing more than a pleasant hike or a backpacking excursion can go south in a matter of seconds.
Of course, most people are mindful of snakes during the summer months, and act accordingly, which might include proper footwear. But there are other potential dangers lurking along the beaten path, as well.
In fact, some potential dangers might lurk high in the canopy. It is not uncommon to hear a limb come crashing down on a windy day. That in mind, one might be mindful of what lurks overhead. And by all means, one should avoid pitching a tent beneath any limbs or trees that might appear suspect.
Let’s talk a little about water activities. In fact, let’s be a little more specific and address personal floatation devices, commonly referred to as life jackets. I’ll be the first to admit that I do not wear a PFD like I should.
I wear one during adverse weather while the outboard is running. But in all reality, I should have a life jacket on at all times, as anyone can accidentally fall from the boat. One would simply swim back in most cases. However, the lightest of wind can carry a boat faster than the average Joe can swim.
Life jackets are the same as cycling helmets in the sense that they are not necessarily uncomfortable. And with technology, PFDs are hardly bulky. In fact, I’ll step out on a limb and suggest that those who have grown accustomed to wearing them feel somewhat awkward without them.
Don’t get me wrong. In no form or fashion am I attempting to scare anyone. And by no means am I suggesting that one avoid their favorite outdoor activities.
I am simply suggesting that folks, including yours truly, remain aware that potential dangers lurk out there. And most importantly, that we take precautions to ensure that our outings are as safe and enjoyable as possible.