Accidents can happen year-round, and some accident risks are particularly prevalent during the winter months. The National Safety Council (NSC) offers these tips for keeping yourself and your family safe during the holiday season:
Winter Holiday Safe Driving Tips
Due to unusually-high traffic volume, hazardous winter conditions and other factors, the month of December can be a particularly dangerous time to be on the road. To reduce your risk of being seriously injured in an auto accident, the NSC recommends:
- Avoid drinking to excess. If you have any concerns that you, a friend or a loved one may be too drunk to drive, be sure to find a safe ride home.
- Make sure everyone buckles up “no matter how long or short the distance traveled.” Seatbelts save lives, and they can significantly reduce the risk of severe traumatic injuries.
- Avoid driving distractions. This includes your cell phone. Put it out of reach; and, if you need to make a call or send a text, wait until you can safely park or pull over.
- Get your vehicle checked and put an emergency kit in your trunk. You do not want to get stranded if you can avoid it, and you do not want to cause an accident because your brakes or tires are in need of replacement.
- Be prepared for heavy traffic and heavy snow. Winter driving conditions can be hazardous, and drivers should be prepared to spend more time in the car than usual.
Giving and Decorating Safely
In the words of the NSC, “[d]ecorating is one of the best ways to get in a holiday mood, but emergency rooms see thousands of injuries involving holiday decorating every season.” Despite the best of intentions, gift-giving has the potential to go wrong as well, particularly when gifts are not age-appropriate. Some of the NSC’s tips for giving and decorating safely include:
- Make sure walkways remain clear of extension cords and other trip hazards.
- Always use a proper ladder when placing lights or ornaments above your head.
- Use caution when decorating with potentially-harmful materials, including “angel hair” and artificial snow.
- Select gifts that are age-appropriate for children and older adults.
- Avoiding giving gifts that are heavy or require lithium batters to those who may be at risk for lifting injuries or choking.
- Never leave fires or burning candles unattended.
Practicing Proper Food Safety
“Don’t give the gift of food poisoning.” This is sound advice from the NSC, which also recommends:
- If you plan on using a turkey fryer, make sure you know how to use it properly.
- Use a food thermometer to make sure meats are cooked to a safe temperature.
- Refrigerate food within two hours.
- Wash your hands before preparing, cooking or eating food.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver, CO
At Levine Law, we provide experienced legal representation for individuals injured in auto accidents, premises-related accidents and other circumstances in which someone else is to blame. If you have been injured in the Denver area and would like to speak with a personal injury attorney, we invite you to call 303-333-8000 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.