Identifying Holiday Hazards
As we approach the holiday season, it's essential to be mindful of the potential hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries. This article aims to help you identify these risks and provide practical advice on how to avoid them.
Dangerous Driving Accidents
One of the most common causes of injury during the holiday season is dangerous driving. Whether due to alcohol consumption, fatigue, or simply the rush of holiday shopping, the risk of road accidents increases significantly.
Avoidance tip: Always designate a sober driver, take regular breaks on long journeys, and avoid peak shopping times to reduce your risk.
Back Injuries
The holiday season often comes with strenuous activities such as lifting heavy gifts, decorations, or even the family Christmas tree. These actions can lead to back injuries.
Avoidance tip: Use proper lifting techniques, bend at the knees, and keep the item close to your body when lifting. Ask for help when needed.
Mishaps at the Mall
Shopping centers are packed during the holidays, leading to possible accidents like trips, falls, or even collisions with other shoppers. During the holiday season, shopping centers are also ripe for negligent security accidents. These incidents can occur when property owners or managers fail to provide adequate security measures to protect patrons.
This negligence can manifest in various ways, such as poor lighting in parking lots, lack of surveillance cameras, improperly maintained premises, or insufficient staff to manage large crowds. As a result, shoppers may become victims of theft, assault, or even serious personal injury. It's crucial for shopping center management to heighten security measures during the holidays to prevent such unfortunate incidents and ensure the safety of their patrons.
Avoidance tip: Pay attention to your surroundings, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid rushing.
Falling Decorations
Decorating our homes is a cherished holiday tradition. However, falling from ladders while hanging decorations is a common cause of injury.
Avoidance tip: Ensure your ladder is sturdy and properly positioned. Don't overreach when on the ladder; instead, climb down and reposition it.
Fires & Burns
Cooking for holiday dinners and the use of candles can lead to fires and burns. Decorations with tiny bulbs and electrical features can also be a fire risk if they are old and worn.
Avoidance tip: Never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable materials away from open flames, and ensure all candles are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house. Inspect your decorations before hanging and using them.
Slips & Falls
During the holiday season, slips and falls are unfortunately common. This is due to a variety of factors that converge during these festive months. First and foremost, weather conditions can create hazardous environments, with ice and snow making sidewalks, parking lots, and store entrances slippery.
Also, the holiday shopping rush means stores are more crowded, which can lead to spills that are not promptly cleaned up due to the hustle and bustle. Decorations, while festive, can sometimes become tripping hazards if not properly secured or placed in high-traffic areas. Lastly, people are generally more distracted during this time, whether due to the excitement of the holidays or the stress of finding the perfect gift, making them more prone to accidents.
Avoidance tip: Clear walkways of ice and snow promptly, use salt or sand to provide traction, and wear shoes with good grip.
Read our blog, “Halloween Hazards: Tips for Avoiding Trick or Treating Personals Injuries,” for a more holiday-specific guide.
Injured Because of Someone Else’s Negligence?
At Michael Doyle, Attorney at Law, our attorney can help you or a loved one pursue damages if you are injured due to other holidayer’s negligence. Schedule an initial consultation today by calling (505) 219-2176.