Summer is a fun time of the year, except for the thousands of people that will suffer accidental deaths. Follow these tips to keep from having an accident.

Death, it happens to all of us eventually. It's something we don't like to talk about, especially premature death. According to the National Safety Council, between 2011 and 2015 more than 117,000 people died from preventable injuries.

Whether it is car accidents, poisonings, falls, drowning, choking or fires, lots of people unexpectedly die during summer months.

Nobody can anticipate or predict an accident, but everyone can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of accidental death. The NSC offers these tips that could help you and your family get through the summer safely.

  • Don't use a cell phone when you are behind the wheel, and always make plans to have a sober, designated driver
  • Try to fall-proof your home by securing rugs, install handrails on stairs, and non-slip mats in bathtubs
  • If you are heading to the beach, the pool or the river make sure that everyone knows how to swim, have flotation devices available, and don't combine water fun with drinking
  • To keep children from choking, cut their food up into small pieces, and don't give them hard candy
  • Work out an escape plan in your house in case of fire, and practice a family fire drill

There are plenty of other ways to die that you have absolutely no control over. Whether it's a plane crash, a drunk driver, or a physical ailment. For the things that you can control, it's worth taking some precautions to make sure you and your family have a fun and safe summer.

More From ESPN Western Colorado