10 Holiday Safety Tips

As 2020 comes to a close, we want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.

With changing temperatures, long periods of rain and snow, the risk for serious car accidents and slip and fall accidents increases and there are safety concerns for motorists and pedestrians.

While the malls and stores may be quieter this year and less people may be on the road, it is still important to practice safe driving and be cautious when you are on your way to and from the grocery store or going to essential places. There may be more pedestrians walking around with students being on winter break and people exercising outside.

It is important to remember safety when you’re shopping and when you’re on your way to and from your destination, and of course, when school is back in session.

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Make sure your car is “winterized”

• If you haven’t already put winter tires on, you should consider doing so;
• Check that your windshield wipers are in working order;
• Check to make sure your horn and lights are working properly;
• Keep these items in your car: windshield wiper fluid, salt, snow brush, ice scraper, small shovel, spare tire.
• Keep an “emergency kit” in your car which could include a flashlight, candle, lighter/matches, blanket, first aid kit, non-perishable food, bottled water

Drive distraction free

• Be aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous for all road users. You really need to be focused as a driver, especially during inclement weather;
• Put the phone down, set your playlist before you drive if you plan on listening to music and set your GPS before you go;
• Secure any loose items

Plan ahead

• If you require directions to your destination, set your GPS device/application ahead of time, and review your route before you leave;
• Give yourself enough time to get where you have to be and check road conditions

Drive according to weather conditions

• Adjust your speed. Slow down, keep extra distance between your car and the car in front of you;
• Brake gently and try to maintain steady pressure when braking;
• Do not use cruise control!
• Try to use main roads that are more likely to have been plowed/treated with salt

Make yourself visible to other road users

• Turn on your headlights so that cars and pedestrians can see you;
• Put on your turn signals well in advance so other drivers know your intentions

Look before you depart

• Be sure to clear your car of any snow or ice so you can see out the windows and mirrors;
• Check before you leave your driveway, pull out or back out of a parking spot.
• Is there a snowbank blocking your view? Do you have a clear view? Are you able to see if any pedestrians or cars are approaching?

Invest in proper footwear

• Slip and falls can happen anywhere, indoors and outdoors. Watch where you step;
• Look for winter boots with a rubber sole, known to be better for wet conditions, and that can provide good traction to help you walk safer

Walk carefully

• If you are outside, try to walk where others have walked and in areas that have been salted/plowed;
• If you have to use stairs, use a railing when available

Avoid areas that may be wet

• When entering a store/mall, the floors and mats may be very wet;
• Look out for puddles/wet spots on the floor and try to avoid these areas if possible;
• If there are mats/carpeted areas, watch out for any uneven surfaces

Pedestrians

• Be careful at intersections and in busy parking lots;
• Don’t assume that all drivers see you when they are turning or backing out of a spot;
• Make sure to only cross at lighted intersections or pedestrian crosswalks or in a lighted area of a parking lot

All of us at Aaron Waxman and Associates wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!