Common Holiday Season Injuries
The holiday season should ideally be a time for festivities and having fun with family and friends. However, according to several safety and health organizations, it can also be a time for an increased number of accidents and injuries. From traveling to cooking to decorating, holiday activities pose real dangers, particularly when people are distracted by all the festivities and fun.
5 Common Holiday Accidents and Injuries and How to Prevent Them
1. Fires
The United States Fire Administration says that fires caused by heating, cooking, and open flames all increase during the holiday season. Unfortunately, such fires tend to be severer than average fires during the year in terms of losses.
To help prevent fires during the holiday season, avoid leaving fireplaces, cooking appliances, portable heaters, candles, and holiday lights unattended. It is also important to ensure that your smoke alarm is working properly and that your friends and family know what to do in case of fire.
2. Car Accidents
The holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year and with that comes an increased risk for accidents. Accidents may occur due to the winter driving conditions, increased number of travelers, drunk driving, and distracted driving.
To keep you and your family safe, always wear your seatbelt, avoid using your phone or any other distractions when you drive, and drive cautiously on the slippery, icy roads. If you do plan to take alcohol, always have a designated driver.
3. Falls, Trips, and Slips
The Electrical Safety Foundation International estimates that about 5,800 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries sustained from falls that involve holiday decorations. Additionally, about 4,000 more are treated for injuries from extension cords and ladders.
When you are decorating for the holidays, it is always advisable to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that a ladder or stool is stable before you actually step on it.
4. Electrocutions
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 5,000 people visit the emergency room due to outdoor and indoor electrical decoration mishaps during the holiday season. The leading cause of electrocutions during the holiday season is careless decorating.
To avoid electrocutions during the holiday season, use authentic extension cords and LED holiday lights; avoid overloading electrical sockets, avoid touching electric wires when wet; and unplugging electrical holiday decorations before leaving the house or going to sleep.
5. Choking
During the holidays season, young children want to get dolls, action figures, and other toys with moveable parts for their holiday gifts. Without close supervision, a curious child might swallow small bits of their toys and choke.
When you buy a present for your child or he/she accepts one from a family friend, review the packaging and instructions to ensure that there are no dangerous choking hazards.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season should ideally be full of joy and laughter, but an injury can easily derail your plans. If you have been seriously injured due to the negligence of someone else, get in touch with a reputable personal injury lawyer today to discuss the details of your claim and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.