Avoiding Common Holiday Injuries
Celebrating different holidays can be a joyous time, where loved ones come together, enjoy delicious food and preserve holiday traditions. However, during the season's hustle and bustle, unfortunately, it's not uncommon to experience disastrous accidents and unforeseen injuries. Here's what you should be mindful of:
The Most Common Holiday Injuries
Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are generally more car crash fatalities during the holidays than non-holidays. For example, in 2017, the average amount of fatalities during major holidays was 119 per day compared to 102 per day at other times of the year.
- If driving on Halloween, and at all times for that matter, be sure to watch for pedestrians and obey all traffic laws. If you're planning to take your child trick-or-treating, remain on sidewalks and cross only at crosswalks. You may also want to wear reflective tape or bring a flashlight to be better seen by motorists.
- If driving on a heavy traffic day, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, stay alert! Keep the three-second rule in mind: when following a vehicle, pick a sign or road marker and note when the vehicle in front of you passes that marker. Then count (1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000) to see how long it takes for you to pass that same area. If it's less than three seconds, leave more space between you and the other driver.
- Regardless of the holiday, do not operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. If you plan to drink, find a safe way home via a designated driver or a rideshare app (like Uber or Lyft).
Holiday Decorating Related Injuries
When decorating this holiday season, it is vital to take precautions when climbing a ladder or being on the roof. Avoid balancing on unstable furniture, don't climb a ladder without a spotter or work on your roof (if hanging lights, for example) without having another person home.
Burn Injuries
On average, there are about 200 decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season. It is important to be mindful of the placement of real trees—near heaters, candles, and any other flammable items where they can easily catch on fire. It is also recommended to keep lighters and matches from small children to avoid a fire. To prevent a serious burn injury, It is recommended to keep natural trees watered and away from heat sources.
Have You Been Injured During The Holiday Season?
Although the holiday season can be a wonderful time for some, for others an injury may occur, leading to devastating results. It is vital to become aware of dangerous situations, and take appropriate levels of caution to ensure that you and your loved ones are protected and safe during the holiday season.
Idrizi Law Group has decades of combined legal experience seeking justice for our clients in need. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury during the holiday season due to the negligence of another party, contact us at (727) 202-5499 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.