The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, amid the festive cheer, it's important to stay vigilant and mindful of potential hazards that can lead to accidents.
Here, we'll delve into some of the most common accidents during this time and offer tips on how to prevent them.
Decorating Disasters
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season. Almost half of those accidents involve falls which often lead to broken bones and concussions.
Decorating is an integral part of the Christmas spirit, but it can lead to accidents if not done carefully. Follow the tips below to prevent these accidents:
- Ladder Safety: Use a stable ladder and have someone support its base while you decorate higher areas.
- Electrical Safety: Check lights for frayed wires and avoid overloading sockets.
- Secure Decorations: Ensure that heavy or breakable decorations are out of reach of children or pets.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Holiday travel brings families together but can also introduce risks on the road. Increased traffic, adverse weather conditions, and impaired driving contribute to a spike in car accidents during this time. According to the NHTSA, 300 people are killed annually due to drunk driving between Christmas and New Year's.
Be a responsible driver and arrive home safe with these tips:
- Plan ahead, check weather forecasts, avoid distractions while driving.
- If you are going to a party or hosting one. Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation for your guests.
Toy-related Injuries
The excitement of unwrapping gifts can quickly turn into accidents with toys causing trips, falls, and sometimes more serious injuries. According to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission there were 11 deaths, and an estimated 145,500 emergency department-treated (ED) injuries in 2022 associated with toys for children 12 years and younger. The majority of the 11 deaths reported were attributed to choking or asphyxiation associated with small parts, balls, or balloons.
The CPSC is highlighting the following tips to protect your children from accidents:
- Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys–and make sure that children use them all the time.
- Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3 and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.
- Once the gifts are open, immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys before they become dangerous playthings.
Injured Due To Someone Else's Negligence?
While taking preventive measures is crucial, accidents can still occur despite our best efforts. If you or a loved one have been injured due to someone else's negligence during the holiday season, seeking legal advice is essential. Our experienced team of injury attorneys at Ace Law Group can provide guidance and support during challenging times.
This Christmas let's prioritize safety without compromising the joy and merriment of the season. By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, we can ensure a happy and accident-free holiday for everyone.