The holiday season is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends and celebrate life. It's also a time of long to-do lists. With the hustle and bustle of rushing from work parties to family gatherings and from shopping malls to grocery stores, people often neglect their personal safety.
To help you have a fun and safe holiday season, follow these four safety tips.
1. Follow the rules of the road
Driving safely is always a concern, no matter the time of the year. However, the winter and holiday months present a unique set of circumstances with fewer daylight hours and more intoxicated drivers on the roads.
The number of traffic fatalities in 2015 increased statewide by 10.3 percent compared to the previous year, according to the Nevada Department of Public Safety. To stay safe, DPS says buckling your seatbelt is "the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash."
Additionally, to avoid traffic-related accidents, follow traffic laws, pay attention to the area and people around you, limit night time driving and, when drinking, designate a sober driver or pay for a cab or other ride service.
2. Lock up your vehicle
Once you arrive at your destination, whether it be home, a friend's house, shopping mall or store, it is important to park your vehicle safely.
This not only means locking your car to keep your possessions from being stolen, but parking in areas with other cars or near a store in well-lit areas to ensure your safety from possible burglars or people who could cause you harm.
3. Shop with others when you can
Consider doing your holiday shopping with friends. Doing so will not only make the sometimes stressful task more fun, there is also safety in numbers. If you plan a trip out with others, it will also inspire you to make a list of gift ideas, so you can limit the number of trips you take.
When shopping, pay attention to your surroundings, an always important safety tip. If you have a lot of gift items or groceries to carry, use a cart or ask for help to transport everything to your car, so you can see where you're going and maintain mobility.
4. Make sure drinkers have rides
Holidays are a time of revelry, so keep parties contained to one area. Avoid large celebrations in remote locations that haven't been vetted for safety. Additionally, if you're hosting a party with drinking, consider arranging rides for everyone before the first person arrives with UberEVENTS. Making arrangements beforehand allows guests to leave their cars at home, instead of parking somewhere overnight.
Even with precautions, accidents can happen, and victims need an attorney they can trust. The attorneys at Ed Bernstein & Associates have more than 40 years experience in personal injury law and understand its finer nuances. Visit edbernstein.com or call 702-240-0000 to find out how to get started on the road to recovery.
