A national park is a natural treasure, beautiful protected land that has not been touched by us humans that offers breathtaking landscapes and a fantastic way to reconnect with nature. Here in Utah we are lucky enough to have 5 national parks, these being: Zions, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef. These stunning parks offer landscapes that can rarely be seen anywhere else.
With all of the beauty and excitement that comes with visiting these parks it can be easy to forget that you are in the wild, and that there are several potential risks and hazards that can lead to serious injuries. As summer approaches, national parks are a common vacation destination, especially here in Utah where more than 11 million people visited Utah’s “big five”. If you are planning on visiting a national park it is important to know the types of accidents that may occur so that you can best avoid them.
In this article our Utah personal injury lawyers will be highlighting some of the potential causes of accidents that occur in national parks, as well as the steps you can take to avoid these accidents.
Slip and Fall Accidents
A national park is a landscape that has largely remained untouched by human activity, as this land is protected it means that it has not undergone many updates to keep it safe. A national park is home to uneven terrain, steep and complex trails, and wet surfaces. These factors can all contribute to one of the most common accidents that can occur at a national park, a slip and fall.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid a slip and fall while you are at a national park:
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: If you are planning on hiking, always remember to wear appropriate footwear will give you enhanced traction and can greatly reduce your chances of slipping and falling.
- Stay on Designated Paths: A hiking path or a trail has been maintained to give you the safest possible path to your destination. Not only will staying on your trail reduce your risk of injuries but it is proper hiking etiquette.
- Take Caution in Slippery Areas: If you are hiking near a waterfall or a lake, the trail you are hiking on may be slippery. Keep an eye out for slippery trails, and take extra caution and walk slowly to avoid any potential injuries.
- Pay Attention to Warning Signs: Warning signs can give you insight on what to expect on your journey, always take heed of these signs as they can help you be prepared for any accidents.
- Make Sure to Follow All Park Regulations: These regulations are created by professionals and are created specifically to protect our natural wonders.
Wildlife Encounters
At a national park you should be prepared to run into wildlife. These wild animal encounters can be special as these animals are in their natural habitat, and these animals may appear serene, friendly, or harmless. What is important to remember is that you must exercise caution and respect for these animals and their habitats. Here are some tips to help you minimize any risk that may come with a wildlife encounter:
- Maintain a Safe Distance: When at a national park it is always critical to remember that these animals are not tame. This is not a zoo and these animals may attack you in defense if you approach. Always remember to respect their space and admire these creatures from a safe distance. If you attempt to approach or feed these animals you may receive serious injuries and disturb their natural diet which could be detrimental to the animal.
- Familiarize Yourself with Park Guidelines: Go to the website for the national park you are visiting and check the guidelines to see what they recommend. Following these guidelines can help you have a pleasant and safe experience with any animals you may encounter on your travels.
- Leave Animals Alone: If you must take a picture of an animal, do it from a distance. Do not attempt to take a selfie or get too close, as an animal may attack you if you make it uncomfortable. The National Park Service recommends staying roughly 15 meters or 50 feet away from small mammals, birds, or reptiles and 30 meters or 100 feet away from deer and most other wildlife.
- Dangerous Animal Encounter: If you encounter a dangerous animal, such as a bear or a moose, back away slowly and give it plenty of space. Read up on the park’s suggestions for wildlife encounters ahead of time to help you avoid these situations and take the suggested precautions they provide.
Hiking and Trail Accidents
A national park is a perfect place to take a hike, which is why hiking is one of the most popular activities you can enjoy in a national park. IF you are planning to enjoy a hike at a national park make sure that you are prepared to take on the trail. Here are some tips to stay safe while hiking.
- Plan and Prepare: Research which hike you would like to do ahead of time, as some national parks (like Zions) may require you to make a reservation for your hike ahead of time. This research will help you understand the trail’s difficulty and duration which can help you be prepared for the journey ahead of you.
- Carry Essential Supplies: Make sure that you have packed water, snacks, a first aid kit, a map, and a fully charged cell phone. These supplies will ensure that you are prepared for the worst outcomes and are ready for them.
- Inform Someone of Your Plans: If you are planning on hiking remember to tell a friend or family member where you are hiking, how long the hike is supposed to take, and whether or not you will have cell service. Informing someone of your hiking plan can ensure that if something happens and you get injured or lost, that they can call search and rescue to come and find you.
- Stay on Marked Trails and Follow Safety Warnings or Closures.
- Do Not Hike Above Your Skill Level: If you are unsure of your skill level or your hiking ability consider going to a visitors center at the national park and asking an employee what trails they would recommend for a beginner. Hiking outside of what you are comfortable with doing can be very dangerous and could lead to serious accidents.
Car Accidents
The roads within a national park are often narrow, winding, and congested with visitors. As car accidents are the number one cause of death in national parks as of 2019 according to the National Park Service, it is important to make sure that you are driving as safely as possible. Safe driving is absolutely critical to your safety, to prevent a car accident try the following:
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always stay sharp and be aware of your surroundings while driving. Make sure that you adhere to speed limits, traffic regulations within the park, and give pedestrians plenty of room.
- Watch for Wildlife: While driving make sure that you stay alert and watch for any signs of wildlife crossing and remember to stop if you see any wildlife on the road.
- Take Pictures at Designated Spots: Do not stop in the middle of the road for photos. National parks have plenty of scenic overlooks designated for taking photos, pull over in these designated areas to enjoy the scenery or take photographs.
- Avoid Distracted Driving: Do not use your cell phone or engage in other activities that divert your attention from the road.
Water Related Incidents
Drowning is the third most common cause of death in a National Park according to the National Park Service. It is important to keep that in mind if you are planning any excursions to a lake, river, or reservoir that you should follow the recommended safety guidelines suggested by the National Park Service. These include the following tips to stay safe:
- Observe warning signs on the water and be sure to swim in designated swimming areas.
- Wear appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, and water shoes, when participating in water activities.
- Be cautious of changing water conditions, currents, and potential hazards like submerged rocks.
- Keep active supervision of all children when near bodies of water.
What Should You Do If You Were Injured?
Whether you are going on a hike in Arches, or going for a swim in Glen Canyon, your trip should not be disturbed by an injury. Your safety should be your top priority and as your Utah personal injury lawyers we would recommend following the steps outlined above to ensure that your national park experience is both safe and fun.
In the event that you have been injured and it was not your fault, it is important to reach out to an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer. Here at LifeLaw Personal Injury our top notch Utah personal injury lawyers are here to help you through every step of the legal process. Our team of the best lawyers in Utah will work tirelessly to provide you with top notch communication and will fight for the compensation that you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured, give us a call today for a free consultation, and to discuss your next steps.