With Thanksgiving barely behind us and Christmas quickly approaching, we are squarely in the middle of the year’s busiest travel season. More often now than nearly any other time of year, families and individuals embark on long-distance trips, traversing 50 miles or more, and the majority are making those trips by car (91 percent to be exact). Certainly, the additional hours spent driving increases the likelihood of an accident as does the extra consumption of alcohol that tends to occur around these holidays.
In addition to the dangers that may lurk on the road, there are increased instances of burglary and fire around the holiday season as well. Although it may be a time of immense joy to be spent with loved ones, keeping the holidays happy requires some simple precaution to protect yourself, loved ones, your home, and your valuables. To help you stay safe this year, our Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers have put together some tips for your use:
- Prepare Your Car for Winter – While Louisiana may not be known for harsh winters, there are still some steps you should take to keep your vehicle in top shape for the added travel at this time of year. Take your car to a mechanic to check the battery, brakes, tires, and lights before you hit the road. Also, keep an emergency kit on hand along with a cell phone and charger anytime you are in your vehicle.
- Avoid Peak Travel Times – If your holiday plans are flexible, avoid being on the road during peak travel days. When Christmas falls in the middle of the week, as it does this year, travel tends to peak during the weekend before and the days immediately following.
- Protect Your Home – According to the FBI, around 400,000 burglaries occur during the months of November and December. With so many families leaving town and so many gifts being purchased, it’s nearly impossible for criminals to resist. Keep your family and belongings safe by installing a home security system, keeping quiet about travel plans, and being aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activity around your neighborhood.
- Use Caution When Decorating – Holiday decorations can lead to some hazardous situations such as house fires. While fires are more common around Thanksgiving, Christmas trees and candles can result in a blaze as well. To best protect your home, make sure that all smoke detectors have working batteries; keep fire extinguishers handy; use battery-operated candles, and keep your tree well watered. Dry trees present a far greater fire hazard than those which are maintained.
While we hope that you enjoy a relaxing and family-filled holiday season, we also hope that you’ll do so carefully. With increased travel, home invasions, and fires, there are many events that have the potential to cause injury and lead to a less than joyful holiday. Follow these tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you have been injured due to the fault of another, contact Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers to speak with one of our skilled attorneys. You can request a free case evaluation by completing the form located here, or you can call us directly at (225) 387-2323.
