5 Common Holiday Injuries and Safety Tips
The holiday season brings a special blend of festive cheer and joyful gatherings. However, in the whirl of celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the increase in certain risks, leading to unexpected injuries. While accidents can happen, many are preventable with the right knowledge and precautions. We want to shed light on five common holiday injuries and provide practical tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe so that you can focus on the joy of the season.
#1 Slips, Trips, and Falls
During the holidays, homes and workplaces are often decorated with lights, wreaths, and stockings. However, these festive additions can sometimes create hazards. Icy pathways, tangled light cords, and cluttered areas are prime spots for slips, trips, and falls.
During the holiday season, slip and fall accidents increase significantly. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 160 decorating-related injuries occur daily in the U.S. during this time, and almost half of these accidents involve falls. These falls often lead to severe injuries like broken bones, concussions, and pulled muscles.
To prevent these accidents, ensure that walkways inside and outside are well-lit and free of obstacles. When decorating, be cautious, use sturdy ladders, and secure cords away from foot traffic. Regular shoveling and applying salt or sand on pathways can significantly reduce the risk of falls if you live in a region with snow and ice. Remember, a safe environment is key to enjoying the holiday spirit.
#2 Burns
Burn injuries often increase around the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, holiday cooking and festive candles can increase the risk of a serious burn injury.
Out of the approximately 14,800 decorating-related injuries that occur each day during the holiday season, 60% (which are not falls) could potentially involve burns. This results in an estimated 8,880 decorating-related burn injuries during the holiday season.
On Thanksgiving Day, a peak day for cooking fires, there’s an average of 1,600 cooking fires. Considering that cooking fires account for nearly half of the 360,800 home fires yearly, we can estimate an increase of approximately 5,840 cooking fires during the holiday season, many of which could lead to burn injuries.
Always supervise any cooking and keep flammable items like towels and paper away from the stove. When using candles, place them in stable holders and away from materials that can catch fire. Better yet, consider flameless candles for the same festive glow without the risk. Taking these simple precautions can avoid painful injuries and keep your holidays bright and joyful.
#3 Food Poisoning
Improper food handling during the holidays can lead to food poisoning. To avoid this, ensure you cook foods to the right temperature and store leftovers promptly and properly. Wash your hands frequently when handling food, especially when switching between raw and cooked dishes. Keep raw meats separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. If you’re unsure how long a food item has been sitting out, it’s safer to discard it than risk illness.
#4 Toy-Related Injuries
Toys are a source of endless holiday joy for children but can also pose hazards. Small parts can be a choking hazard for younger children, while some toys might have sharp edges or points.
To keep playtime safe, choose age-appropriate toys and pay attention to safety warnings and instructions. Supervise children, especially the younger ones, during play to prevent accidents. If you assemble toys, ensure all parts are securely attached and check for any potential hazards.
#5 Car Accidents
The holiday season, while a time for joy and celebration, unfortunately also sees a significant increase in car accidents. Various factors contribute to this rise, including increased travel, alcohol consumption, stress, and challenging weather conditions.
The Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) indicates that deadly crash rates are 4% higher on Thanksgiving than on an average day. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 345 people died on U.S. roads during the 2022 Christmas Day holiday period. In addition, 408 people died on New Year’s last year.
If you know you’ll be drinking, arrange for a designated driver or use public transportation or ride-sharing services. If you are on the road this holiday season, be extra cautious of other drivers who may be impaired and report any suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement.
Contact Our San Bernardino Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you have questions after an accident or injury, we can help. Our San Bernardino personal injury attorneys will be with you through every aspect of the legal process, from filing a claim to collecting the compensation you deserve.
A dedicated and compassionate lawyer at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc., will fight for you and your rights to compensation after a serious accident. Call our law firm at (909) 890-1000 or fill out our confidential contact form to get started with a free consultation.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.