The holidays are one of the most joyous times of the year. People come together to celebrate, share their thankfulness, and bask in the glow of good cheer. Unfortunately, for some families, the holidays can also be a traumatic time filled with frustration and sadness. Why? The holidays can be a dangerous time.
What are the most dangerous holidays and why? The legal team at JJ Legal wants to help you identify the most dangerous holidays of the year so you can proactively protect yourself and your loved ones.
The Most Dangerous Holidays for Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents, especially accidents involving drunk drivers, are one of the most common reasons that the holiday season can be so dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates there is a significant spike in the number of drunk driving-related accidents and fatalities between the Christmas and New Year holidays.
One source suggests that New Year’s Day is one of the most dangerous holidays to be out on the roadways, with a 117 percent higher-than-average risk of being involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Thanksgiving is another dangerous holiday for travel, not only because of drunk drivers but because of the congestion on U.S. roads. AAA estimates about 55.4 million people travel for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and nearly 89 percent of those travelers are on the highways and roads. Drunk driving and traffic congestion combine to form a perfect storm, increasing the likelihood of devastating car or truck accidents.
You can protect yourself and your loved ones by planning. Designate a sober driver if you plan to enjoy some adult beverages for the holidays. If you can’t find a designated sober driver, stay at a friend or family member’s home, or call a taxi or ridesharing service to get home. During the holidays, many businesses sponsor sober ride services you can use to get home safely.
Other holidays that spell danger for drivers include Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. These holidays, many of which mean a long weekend for most people, increase your chances of encountering a drunk driver by more than 50 percent. If you must travel during any of these holidays, use caution and look out for signs of drunk driving, such as:
- Erratic driving
- Erratic braking
- Tailgating other drivers
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Driving without lights on
- Not following traffic signs or signals
Avoid these drivers and report them to local law enforcement. You could be saving a life, including your own.
Getting Hurt Away from Home
People also often sustain injuries on others’ property during the holiday season. Premises liability claims arise when a person suffers an injury on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s careless or negligent actions. All property owners have a duty to ensure their property is safe for guests, patrons, and customers.
Winter holidays are hazardous for guests and customers when property owners do not adequately remove snow and ice from walkways, driveways, steps, and sidewalks. Snow and ice create significant slip and fall hazards. Other potential holiday hazards include loose wires or cords powering holiday light displays.
If you are hurt on someone else’s property, report the accident and talk to an experienced attorney about your options for recovering compensation.
How To Avoid A Premises Liability Lawsuit During The Holidays
Watch for Common Fire Hazards
Unfortunately, home fires are a common feature of the holiday season. In one year, 1,160 home-cooking fires occurred on Thanksgiving Day. The American Red Cross estimates that at least 47,000 fires occur during the winter holiday season.
You can reduce your risk of being involved in a devastating holiday fire by:
- Making sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition
- Avoiding wearing loose clothing while cooking
- Never leaving an open flame, hot oven, or hot stove top burner unattended
- Keeping the handles of pots and pans facing the back of the stove
- Using oven mitts to protect your hands from hot cookware
- Regularly watering live Christmas trees
- Ensuring all lights and decorations are in working condition
- Not over-loading outlets
- Avoiding decorating with candles or lighting candles near your Christmas tree
Staying safe during the holiday season doesn’t mean locking yourself away until after the New Year holiday. However, it does take some planning and forethought.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today for Help
If you were injured over the holidays by someone else’s wrongdoing, the personal injury lawyers of JJ Legal can help. We can thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident and help you recover the compensation you deserve for your financial losses. Call our office today at 312-200-2000 or contact us online to discuss your situation with an experienced lawyer. The initial legal consultation is free.
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