4 Common Holiday Accidents & How to Avoid Them
The holidays are nearly here, which means that many people are busily finalizing their holiday plans and completing their gift shopping in preparation for celebrations. Unfortunately, in all of the hustle and bustle, safety may not be a top priority, and this is when accidents tend to occur. From holiday decorating mishaps to preventable car crashes, injuries tend to spike around this time of the year.
Traywick Law Offices cares about your safety, which is why we have identified these common causes of accidents and what you can do to avoid them.
- Car accidents: The holidays season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for drivers thanks to slick roadways, hordes of holiday travelers, and increased alcohol consumption. In fact, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, almost 25,000 people are injured in alcohol-related auto collisions annually between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. To minimize your risk of injury, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before embarking on a holiday road trip, and be sure to eliminate all distractions, practice defensive driving tactics, and never drink and drive.
- Electrical shocks: A common injury associated with holiday decorating is electrical shock. Overloaded circuits, frayed extension cords, exposed wires, and faulty lights may all be culprits behind this type of injury, which affects roughly 5,000 people each holiday season. Keep in mind that you should only use lights that have been properly safety tested and always follow manufacturer instructions. Never use damaged lights or extension cords.
- Kitchen fires: Even the most accomplished cooks are not immune from danger in the kitchen. Kitchen fires and burn injuries are very common during the holiday season as people cook their holiday feasts. Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher within reach at all times in the kitchen, and ensure that small children and pets are kept away from the stove and oven when they are in use.
- Falls: The CDC reports that approximately 5,800 people receive medical treatment for fall injuries sustained while decorating their homes for the holidays. Many of these accidents involve ladders. If you plan on using a ladder to decorate your home, make sure that it is placed on level ground and that you never stand on the top rung. If the ladder seems unstable or is broken in an area, don’t use it!
Put Traywick Law Offices on Your Side
Being proactive is a great way to protect yourself from injury, but many accidents arise as a result of another person’s negligence. If you have been injured by a defective product, an unsafe condition on another person’s property, an auto accident, or another type of preventable accident, a Charleston personal injury attorney at Traywick Law Offices is prepared to help you seek maximum compensation for your losses. Proven, trusted, and experienced, we have what it takes to protect your rights and help you get your life back in order.
Call (843) 343-5092 or contact our office online today to discuss your legal options.