Deck the Halls Safely!
The holiday season brings a flurry of excitement – festive decorations, delicious meals, and joyful gatherings with loved ones. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it's important to remember that the colder months also pose a number of safety hazards. To ensure a happy and healthy holiday season, let's be aware of the five most common holiday accidents and take steps to prevent them.
1. Hitting the Brakes on Holiday Wrecks
The holidays often involve travel and celebrations, which unfortunately can lead to a rise in car accidents. Here's why:
- Drunk Driving: The festive spirit often involves alcoholic beverages. However, impaired driving remains a significant danger. From "Blackout Wednesday" before Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, the roads see a spike in drunk driving accidents, causing injuries and fatalities.
- Winter Weather Woes: Snow, ice, rain, and strong winds make driving conditions treacherous. Slippery roads and reduced visibility require extra caution and defensive driving techniques.
- Distracted Driving: Juggling holiday shopping bags, managing excited children in the backseat, or even simply making those last-minute calls to confirm plans can all divert your attention from the road.
- Drowsy Driving: Longer hours, busy schedules, and late-night travel can lead to fatigue behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
- Unfamiliar Territory: Road trips to visit family or explore new destinations mean navigating unfamiliar roads. Be sure to research the route before you leave, pay attention to signage, and don't hesitate to use GPS navigation apps.
Staying Safe on the Road:
- If you plan to drink at a holiday party, plan ahead! Designate a driver, use a ride-sharing service, or schedule a safe ride home beforehand.
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions before you leave. Adjust your travel schedule if necessary and consider alternative routes if the weather is hazardous.
- Put your phone away! Hands-free options are not foolproof. The best way to avoid distractions is to focus on the road.
- Get a good night's sleep before a long drive. Take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs and stay alert behind the wheel.
- Familiarize yourself with the route, including potential traffic congestion areas and unfamiliar traffic patterns in your destination city.
2. Avoiding Slips and Falls
The winter wonderland may look enchanting, but snow and ice can quickly transform into a treacherous landscape. Here's how to avoid becoming a slip-and-fall statistic:
- Be Prepared for the Outdoors: Wear proper footwear with good traction when venturing outside. Opt for boots with treads that grip well on ice and snow.
- Take it Slow: Snow and ice can make even familiar walkways slippery. Take shorter steps, walk cautiously, and be mindful of uneven surfaces.
- Walk on Designated Paths: Avoid walking on shortcuts or cutting across yards. Stick to cleared sidewalks and walkways whenever possible.
- Beware of Hidden Hazards: Black ice can be invisible. Be extra cautious on shaded areas, bridges, and steps, as these areas tend to freeze first.
- Hold on Tight: If you feel yourself losing balance, try to grab onto a railing or hold onto someone for support.
Property Owner's Responsibility: It's important to be aware that property owners have a legal obligation to keep their walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice. If you fall due to the negligence of a property owner, you may want to seek legal advice.
3. Decorating Without Disaster
Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but be mindful of decorating safety hazards. Here's what to watch out for:
- Ladder Safety: Falls from ladders are a common cause of injury during holiday decorating. Don't use a rickety ladder. Ensure it's properly secured and have someone hold it for stability. If in doubt, consider hiring a professional to hang high decorations.
- Climbing Without Caution: Never climb on furniture or unstable surfaces like chairs or counters to reach high decorations.
- Light Up Safely: Inspect lights for frayed wires or damage before use. Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors to prevent fires.
- Tree Trimming Time: Keep your Christmas tree properly watered to prevent drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
4. Shocking Developments
Holiday decorating isn't just about sparkly lights, it involves electrical cords and outlets. Here's how to prevent electric shocks:
- Inspect Before You Use: Don't plug in faulty or damaged lights. Check for frayed wires and loose connections.
- Beware of Overloading: Don't overload extension cords or electrical outlets. Use surge protectors and multiple outlets if necessary.
- Outdoor safety: When using extension cords outdoors, make sure they are rated for outdoor use and are properly grounded.
- Turn off lights: To conserve energy and reduce the risk of fire, turn off outdoor lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Professional help: If you're unsure about any electrical work, it's best to hire a qualified electrician.
5. Fire Safety First
A festive holiday atmosphere can quickly turn dangerous if a fire breaks out. Here's how to keep your home safe:
- Christmas Tree Care: A dry Christmas tree is a fire hazard. Keep your tree well-watered and dispose of it properly when it starts to dry out.
- Candle Safety: Never leave burning candles unattended, especially when you're sleeping or leaving the house. Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains and decorations.
- Heating Safety: Ensure your heating system is properly maintained and inspected. Keep a safe distance between heaters and flammable objects.
You can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season by being aware of these common holiday hazards and taking simple precautions. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a holiday accident due to someone else's negligence, it's important to seek legal advice. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.