With the holiday season here, everyone is preparing for spending time with friends and family, putting out beautiful holiday decorations, wrapping presents and just enjoying the season. Unfortunately, because of everything going on and the hustle and bustle of the season, the likelihood of accidents and injuries is much higher. Some of the most common injuries and accidents that occur during the holidays can be found here.
Car Accidents
According to statistics, one person dies every 13 minutes because of car accidents. It has also been found that Thanksgiving Day is the most “deadly day” for drivers. The biggest problem related to holiday car accidents is the increased consumption of alcohol during this time of the year. Another relevant problem is vision impaired driving.
Due to the increased risk of accidents, the best way to stay safe is to make sure that you don’t get behind the wheel after you drink. Also, if you have a hard time seeing at night, or the weather is bad, wait until the sun comes up or the weather clears to get on the road.
Falling While Decorating for the Holidays
According to information from the Center for Disease Control (“CDC”), it is also estimated that more than 5,800 people receive treatment every year due to injuries related to a fall, associated with putting up holiday decorations. Additionally, 43 percent of the injuries that occur because of falling accidents are the result of using a ladder, while others are caused by porches, roofs, furniture and stairs. These types of accidents result in a number of injuries, including bruises, muscle pulls, concussions, fractures and others.
Remember, when trying to put up your holiday decorations, you should put safety first. If you are on a ladder, have someone helping you and make sure you take precautions to prevent a fall, such as avoiding slippery areas.
Electric Shock While Decorating
In addition to falling from a ladder, another injury that commonly occurs when putting up decorations is electric shock. In fact, approximately 5,000 people have to be treated each year because of outdoor and indoor electric shock during the holidays.
Electric current can cause a number of injuries, including tissue, nerve and muscle destruction, thermal burns and cardiac arrest. When using electricity–of any type–it is important to remain safe to avoid being injured.
Unfortunately, there are some accidents and injuries that won’t be able to be avoided. If the injury you suffer was the result of someone else’s negligence or actions, then it may be wise to contact a personal injury attorney. They can review your situation and determine if you have a case worth pursuing.
While no one wants to be hurt during the holidays, it is an issue that occurs every year. Remaining safe requires you to remain diligent, so make sure to keep this in mind.