Holiday safety is an issue that burns brightest from late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties are scheduled and travel spikes. Take some basic precautions to ensure your family remains safe and injury-free throughout the season. Here are some tips to help keep you safe from the National Safety Council and other sources I’ve found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traveling for the Holidays? Be Prepared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many people choose to travel during the holidays by automobile, with the <\/a>highest fatality rate <\/a>of any major form of transportation. In 2015, 355 people died on New Year’s Day, 386 on Thanksgiving Day and 273 on Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts 2017<\/em>. Alcohol-impaired fatalities represent about one-third of the totals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

• Use a designated driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol, over-the-counter or illegal drugs all cause impairment<\/li>
• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled<\/li>
• Put that cell phone away; many distractions can occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit<\/li>
• Properly maintain the vehicle and keep an emergency kit with you<\/li>
• Be prepared for heavy traffic, and possibly heavy snow<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n