Summertime living should be easy and a good time, for adults and young people.

However, nothing ruins a good time the way an injury or accident will. Making the most of summer must include a focus on safety.

Already this summer in the region, there have been numerous car and motorcycle accidents and at least two are missing from watersports activities. An increase in cyclists and bikers on the road and generally greater traffic contributes to safety challenges.

First and foremost, safety requires paying attention when out and about, taking routine precautions and observing common protocol.

Secondly, seatbelts, helmets and other safety equipment on land, and safety vests on the water are essential. To many, this goes without saying. However, plenty of people don’t invest in even the bare minimum in safety gear. Additionally, it is not enough to demand that children use proper safety gear. Adults need to set an example, so healthy habits become lifelong habits for the children observing and learning from parents’ behavior.

Finally, accidents can sometimes be avoided by simple courtesy. Following the rules of the road, taking your time and respecting other people’s time and space will go a long way toward helping ensure safety and that a good time will be had by all.

Accidents happen, but with a spotlight on safety this time of year, summer should be when living is easy and new memories are made.