Winter Is Coming: How To Avoid Personal Injuries

Now that winter is almost here, it's time to start paying closer attention to what's going on around you. Winter brings an increased risk of personal injuries, especially during the holiday season as more people head out to the store. While you're out and about this holiday season, here are four steps you can take to reduce your risk of suffering a personal injury accident.

Watch the Drivers Around You

Drivers tend to be in more of a hurry once the holiday season arrives. Add that to the bad weather and you've got a recipe for accidents. While you're driving, pay attention to the drivers around you. The more you know what they're doing, the easier it will be to avoid accidents. In particular, watch for the drivers who appear to be distracted, whether by their cell phone or by the passengers in their car. Distracted drivers pose a serious threat to your safety while you're driving.

Check the Path Ahead

Sidewalks and parking lots tend to get quite slippery during the winter. Ice, snow, and even heavy rains can create a slip and fall risk wherever you're at. While you're walking up to houses and stores, check the path ahead of you. Keep an eye out for patches of ice and snow that might cause you to slip and fall on the hard surface below.

Know What's at Your Feet

Stores get quite packed with people and merchandise during the winter, especially closer to the holidays. Unfortunately, the added congestion in the aisles can increase your risk of suffering a trip and fall accident while you're shopping. To reduce your risk of those types of accidents, know what's at your feet. Watch for items on the floor that might trip you up. It's also important that you watch for spills that could cause you to slip and fall.

Avoid Unfamiliar Dogs

If you're going to parties during the holidays, avoid unfamiliar dogs; even those that look friendly. Dogs can get quite stressed out over all the new faces and noise during holiday parties. The last thing you want is to get bitten by a dog while you're enjoying the festivities. If there are dogs at any of the parties you attend, avoiding extending your hand towards them. That could cause anxiety for the dogs and cause them to nip at you.

Don't get injured this winter. The tips provided here will help you avoid personal injuries. If you do suffer a personal injury this winter, contact an attorney near you, like Kenneth P Hicks. They can help you recover from your injuries.