The holidays are a time for celebration, quality time with loves ones, and really just having some holiday cheer and fun. However, with all that fun and celebration sometimes accidents do occur. Usually when you least expect it, and that is the last thing you want to happen during the holiday season.
Accident statistics show that between Christmas and New Year’s there is a much higher risk for car accidents which is usually due to alcohol. Unfortunately, New Year’s is the day that the most fatal accidents occur. These facts are not to be a holiday scrooge, instead, it’s important to be aware of the most common types of accidents that can occur during the holiday season, and also how to prevent these accidents from happening. It’s also not just car accidents that occur during the holidays, here are the 8 most popular accidents that can happen during the holiday season.
8 accidents that occur during the holiday season
Temporary workers and seasonal help
Most retailers and other companies hire temporary workers to help with the overflow of Christmas. Whether it’s helping with shipping to hiring for odd jobs, it’s a busy time of the year for many types of businesses. The problem when hiring temporary or seasonal workers is that sometimes these workers are not properly trained. Without proper training more accidents in the workplace are more likely to occur.
Drinking and driving
As mentioned above most drinking and driving accidents happen between Christmas and New Year’s. Drunk driving accounts for as much as 38% of fatal crashes during holidays. If you are planning on drinking at all hire a rideshare or car service. It’s worth spending the money to prevent an accident that could lead you to a DUI or potentially harm or kill yourself or others.
Christmas decorations
Statistics show that millions of people are injured every year by doing something as fun and simple as decorating for the holidays. The most common accident is falling off chairs while trying to put up decorations instead of using a ladder. Not to mention children and pets have been hurt by sharp glass decorations. Make sure you always have help while putting up decorations, use a ladder, and keep sharp decorations out of harm’s way.
Christmas lights
Most injuries occur when decorating with Christmas lights because of electric shock, electric fires, children choking on small bulbs, and people falling off a ladder. You can avoid all of the above by;
- Testing your lights and extention cords to make sure they are still working probably. Remember that lights with a red tag are for outdoor use and green tags are for indoor use.
- Don’t overload your outlets
- Unplug your Christmas lights when you are not home
- Don’t water your Christmas tree when the lights are on
- Keep your Christmas tree away from your fireplace
Holiday fires
Fires during the holiday are tragic and one of the worst things that can happen during the holidays. Fifty percent of people are more likely to die in a holiday fire than at any other time of the year. Candles and Christmas trees are the most common reason while holiday fires occur. Here are some tips on how to keep you and your loved ones safe during the holidays.
- Don’t use old Christmas lights and bad extension cords
- Turn indoor lights off when you are not home
- Keep presents, wrapping paper, and the Christmas tree away from the fireplace
- Don’t leave candles unattended
- Don’t let your Christmas dry out, keep it watered
- Check that your smoke alarms are working, including your Carbon Monoxide detector. You can even connect newer alarms to your secruity system
- Make sure to use ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlets for all light strands and holiday lights.
- Do not overload outlets
Bad weather conditions
Like your mother always said, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Most car accidents happen because of bad weather conditions. As much as you want to attain a holiday party or holiday dinner make sure you make smart decisions when driving in extreme weather conditions like snow, ice road, black ice, and rain.
Back injuries
Back injuries can be quite common during the holiday season. The most common back injuries include;
- Shoveling snow
- Falling while decoring for the holidays
- Lifting items like your Christmas tree, boxes of decorations, and even packages
- Your back tensing up because of cold weather
- Stress on on your body from traveling and the stress of the holiday season
Cuts and lacerations
Who knew that opening gifts, packages, or wrapping presents could cause injury? Make sure you are careful with sharp objects like scissors and box knives when wrapping and opening gifts. You should always open packages and gifts with keeping the sharp object away from you.
Be aware and cautious to prevent popular holiday accidents
We want you to have a very happy, fun, and healthy holiday season. Make sure your take note of our tips so you can stay injury-free during the holidays.
In an accident during the holiday season? We can help you get your injury compensation claim.
If you are ready to take the next steps? If you are ready to meet with an attorney you can contact us and call 833-4TheWin to speak with one of the experienced personal injury attorneys from Georgia Trial Attorneys.