Autumn Safety Tips

October 5, 2018

The change in season brings more than just a drop in temperature. It also brings increased risks of certain personal injury accidents. Wet and slippery leaves on the ground, flu season, old space heaters coming out of storage – autumn can have many health risks and safety hazards if you know where to look. The best way to keep you and your family safe this holiday season is to recognize and avoid common dangers at home and on the road. Start by following these autumn safety tips from the Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A.

Be Extra Careful on the Road

August is the deadliest month of the year for drivers, according to a Nationwide traffic study. From 2012 to 2016, 15,914 people died in August car accidents. While the other months of autumn might not be as statistically dangerous, they still post unique risks compared with spring and summer. Roads in fall are more prone to being wet and slippery with leaf-litter or ice in some parts of the country. They are also busier due to holiday travelers and seasonal residents.

Decrease your risk of a car accident in autumn by obeying the speed limit and being extra cautious while driving in Arizona. Never drink and drive. Arrange a ride home with a designated sober friend, a taxi, or a rideshare service. You can enjoy fall holidays and parties without risking your life and the lives of others. Practice good roadway safety to prevent a car accident this autumn. If you do find yourself in a car accident due to another’s negligence this fall, the Phoenix car accident attorneys of Begam Marks & Traulsen, P.A. can help.

Take Steps to Prevent the Flu

Influenza can be deadly – especially in children. The flu can be a serious illness that results in severe dehydration, missed time from work, and expensive hospital bills. It’s important to be proactive about flu prevention in autumn. This means you and your family receive the influenza vaccine, washing your hands often, covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home from school and work if you’re sick. Fighting the flu can keep you safe from different strains and viruses that may be active in your community this season.

Test Space Heaters and Heating Equipment

Autumn is a dangerous time of year in terms of house and structural fires. Annual home structure fire statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that 22% of conflagrations occur from August to October. Drier conditions, increased use of heaters at home, and decorations, such as holiday candles, can all increase the risk of a house fire during fall. Practice fire safety, such as checking your smoke alarms, and using battery-operated candles during Halloween. Consider having a professional inspect your heaters and furnaces before turning them on for the first time this season. Fire safety could save your life.

Practice Halloween Safety Tips

Celebrating Halloween should be scary in a fun way – not for real. Keep yourself and your kids safe this holiday season by recognizing and avoiding common dangers. Pedestrian accidents are a significant hazard in Phoenix due to the number of kids walking in the streets and roads while trick-or-treating. Always have an adult supervising children on Halloween, and dress kids in brightly colored or reflective costumes, if possible. Teach children to stay on sidewalks and crosswalks as much as possible and stick to well-known neighborhoods. If a negligent driver caused you or your child to sustain injuries, a pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to help hold the driver responsible and recover compensation for your damages.

Decorate your home for Halloween with visitor safety in mind – especially if you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters or hosting a costume party. Keep your swimming pool and other bodies of water safe for wandering kids with a fence or barricade. Don’t decorate in a way that will cause trip-and-fall hazards. Keep light bulbs and candles away from flammable decorations. Use battery-operated candles in jack-o-lanterns. If a personal injury accident happens on your property, you could be liable for damages. Keep your property safe for visitors this fall.

Follow all these tips for a happy, safe, and healthy autumn season in Arizona!