Concerts and festivals are a great way to go out and experience live music, culture, and art with fellow fans and loads of people. However, these gatherings also come with inherent risks, and serious injuries can occur. As we enter into the summer months where concerts and festivals are at the peak of their popularity it is crucial that we understand what injuries can occur at these events, and what steps you can take to ensure your safety and help you enjoy these events without worries.
The Most Common Injuries at Concerts and Festivals
Trampling and Crowd Surges: Trampling and crowd crushing is primarily caused by overcrowded venues, sudden mass crowd movements, or panic. These actions can lead to serious injuries including broken bones, sprains, bruises and head injuries.
Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration: At a concert or a festival you will most likely be standing or dancing in the sun for several hours at a time. This prolonged exposure to the sun, along with a lack of access to water, can result in Heat Stroke, sun sickness, and even fainting.
Slip and Fall Accidents: A slip and fall typically occurs due to conditions on the ground such as spilled drinks, uneven ground, as well as slick floors. Concert and festival grounds can have all of these conditions, which can lead to injuries such as sprains, fractures, cuts, and bruises.
Violence and Assault: Injuries caused by violence and assault are typically caused by getting into an altercation with someone who is intoxicated, or due to a lack of security.
Tips for a Safe Concert and Festival Experience
If you are planning on attending a festival or a concert this summer, consider the following tips for a safe and fun experience:
Stay Hydrated:
At a festival or a concert you will most likely be standing or dancing for long periods of time, with this exertion of energy it is crucial that you keep yourself hydrated. Make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the event and keep yourself hydrated. At most festivals they will also offer free water stations, so make sure to take advantage of these and stay hydrated.
Protect Your Hearing:
If you are planning to attend a concert consider using earplugs. These can reduce the risk of hearing damage greatly and can help maintain your hearing against these loud frequencies. If you don’t want to sacrifice sound quality consider buying earplugs that are specifically designed for concerts.
Plan an Exit Strategy:
Before you get to the event try to familiarize yourself with the layout of the venue. Look for all entrances, exits, and emergency exits so that you can plan an exit routine in case of an emergency.
Dress Appropriately:
At concerts and festivals you may be standing for long periods of time in hot weather, so try to dress appropriately. Wear clothes that are comfortable for the weather (more layers for colder weather and breathable fabric for hot weather) and wear shoes that you are comfortable standing or dancing in for long periods of time.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings:
While you may want to give all of your attention to the performers at an event you should try to stay aware of what is happening around you. Staying aware of your surroundings can help you avoid overly crowded areas and be cautious if you sense tension or potential for violence.
Use the Buddy System:
If possible try to attend a concert or festival with friends and family as this can help keep you safe and avoid making poor decisions. If you do go to an event with your friends or family consider using the buddy system. Before you arrive, agree on a meeting point in case you get separated from each other, and look out for one another to make sure that everyone is ok, especially when consuming alcohol.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Drugs:
At a concert make sure that you drink responsibly and avoid partaking illegal substances. Know your limits and ensure that you are able to get yourself back home safely.
Report Suspicious Activity:
If you notice anything suspicious around you or you begin to feel unsafe, report it to the event staff or security personnel immediately.
A concert or festival should be a fun and memorable experience, not something that you look back at in grief. By staying vigilant to your surroundings and following the tips listed above you will be able to significantly reduce the risk of injury for you and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. If you or someone you know has been injured at a festival or by the negligence of someone else, let the personal injury lawyers at LifeLaw Personal Injury help you. Our team of personal injury lawyers values the enjoyment of life above all, and when you are injured your quality of life can worsen dramatically. At LifeLaw we want to help you and get you the compensation that you deserve to get your free consultation and to discuss your options call us today.