The holiday season lasts from late November to early January. During this time people are more likely to travel and get together in large groups. It’s important to remember to practice safety during the holiday season when many are gathered with loved ones and friends. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common accidents that can happen during the holidays.
Most Common Holiday Accidents
Slips and Falls
Many families across the United States begin decorating their homes for the holidays which may involve getting on a ladder to reach elevated spaces. According to tho the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 160 decorating injuries occur in the U.S. each day during the holiday season. Close to half of the injuries result in broken bones, concussions, and pulled muscles.
Home Fires
Families plan for lots of cooking during the holiday season. This can involve more time spent in the kitchen, using grills, stovetops, ovens, and other appliances. This can lead to an increase in kitchen-related fires leading to injury. Another aspect of this is electrical fires. Christmas trees caused 100 fires during November and December from 2016 to 2018.
Automobile Accidents
The National Safety Council reported that an estimated 600 people die from automobile accidents during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays.
Food Consumption
Holiday celebrations often include food and drink, which increases the chances of consuming food that can make you sick from food poisoning. There’s also a chance for people to suffer from alcohol poisoning. The American Addiction Centers found that 42% of U.S. citizens believe drinking alcohol is common during the holiday season.
Toy-related Injuries
A lot of children have come to expect toys during the holiday season. But a study found that in 2020, U.S. hospitals saw almost 150,000 toy-related injuries among children.
Busy Roads this Holiday Season
According to AAA, parking lots are another holiday hazard people may need to be thinking about when it comes to holiday safety. This is the time of year that people are doing a lot more shopping than they normally would. Also, drivers will be out on the roads to visit family and friends. This can lead to an increase in vehicle crashes.
AAA estimates that 54.6 million people will be traveling 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year. That’s an increase of 1.5% compared to 2021. Almost 49 million people are expected to travel by car.
Holiday Driving Safety
- Put up your mobile device
- Be aware of the route you’re taking before you leave
- Don’t let your phone or other electronic devices distract you
- Pull over if you need to send a text message or take a phone call
Turn up the Heat on Safety
Make sure your family is aware of the fire and electrical safety tips that could prevent injury and damage to property. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that between 2015 to 2019, Christmas tree fires caused over $10 million in property damage.
Electrical and Fire Safety
- Avoid using candles
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the house
- Make sure smoke detectors have fresh batteries installed
- Purchase Christmas lights from quality brands
- Repair broken sockets
- Don’t overload outlets with too many devices
Dine With Safety in Mind
For many people, celebrating during the holiday season would be incomplete without tasty food and drink. With a lot of kitchens going into overdrive during these months, it’s important to remember some helpful safety tips.
Cooking and Dining Safety
- Don’t leave stove burners unattended
- Keep children away from hot and dangerous appliances
- Use a thermometer to ensure food is cooked thoroughly
- Don’t eat leftovers after four days
COBIA: Stay Safe With Us This Holiday Season
We want to make sure that you and your family enjoy the holiday season safely. Part of that includes you having adequate insurance coverage, whether it be for your car or home. COBIA’s insurance solutions don’t stop there. We offer commercial, flood, and umbrella insurance for our clients. Get a quote from us before the holiday season begins. It’s easy! Simply click here to get started. We’re here to help you and your family.
