The Most Common Christmas Accidents
The holiday season often brings a flurry of activity and travel in New Jersey, both of which can, unfortunately, also mean an increased risk of car accidents and other personal injury cases. Hospital records indicate that ER visits increase by 5 to 12% during Christmas compared to other times of the year.
These accidents can be attributed to a number of factors, such as seasonal illnesses, holiday-specific accidents, and changes in normal routines. The Christmas period also produces accidents relating to winter weather conditions, holiday decorating activities, and festive celebrations.
To help keep you and your family safe this holiday season, it’s important to know the most common types of Christmas accidents so that you can take proactive steps to prevent them.
Falls and Injuries During Decoration Activities
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that approximately 18,400 people visit emergency rooms annually due to Christmas decoration accidents. These incidents tend to peak on the weekends following Thanksgiving, with an average of 660 people seeking medical attention on the Sunday after Thanksgiving alone.
People aged 40 to 60 years face the highest risk, making up about 5,300 emergency room visits annually. Most of the injuries treated occur from falls while hanging lights or placing decorations, particularly due to slipping or falling from chairs, ladders, or roofs.
Tree-Related Accidents
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas tree fires cause an average of 155 home structure fires annually. These fires are relatively rare compared to other holiday fire hazards; however, such incidents tend to result in four civilian deaths, seven injuries, and $15 million in property damage each year.
Additionally, there are many other injuries that can occur during tree selection, cutting, and transport.
Fire Hazards
Fresh trees can pose a higher risk than artificial ones as they dry out over time, making them increasingly flammable.
Aside from tree fires, other holiday fire risks include:
- Overloaded electrical circuits from decorative lights
- Unattended candles
- Fireplace accidents
- Kitchen grease fires
Having working smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher readily available can help prevent these fire hazards from becoming dangerous emergencies.
Injuries From Defective Holiday Products
Common hazards associated with faulty holiday products include defective light strands that cause electrical fires or shocks, poorly constructed decorations that lead to cuts or falls, and malfunctioning electric devices. Manufacturers try to ensure holiday products meet safety standards, but defects can still occur.
Drunk Driving Incidents
Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol, leading to increased drunk driving incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, December 2021 saw 1,013 drunk driving fatalities — the highest December toll since 2007.
These preventable tragedies show the critical importance of planning safe transportation during holiday celebrations.
Injuries When Shopping
The holiday shopping rush can mean greater accident risks in stores and parking lots. Wet floors from tracked-in snow, falling merchandise, and crowded spaces can contribute to injuries. Property owners must maintain safe premises, including proper snow and ice removal.
Hospital Visits Resulting From Dangerous Toys
Approximately 209,500 toy-related injuries required emergency room treatment in 2022, with children 14 and under accounting for 76% of these cases. The CPSC also reported eleven toy-related deaths among children that year, with causes including choking on balls, motor vehicle collisions with unpowered scooters, and accidents involving powered riding toys.
Most injuries affected the head and face area, with lacerations and contusions making up 41% of emergency room visits.
Accidents In the Kitchen
Holiday cooking can involve more frequent kitchen injuries, like burns from hot surfaces and cuts from knives. Fires from unattended cooking can occur more frequently during Christmas. Food poisoning from improper handling of holiday meals also poses risks.
Staying Safe During the Holidays In New Jersey
Accidents can happen any time of year, but many holiday injuries are preventable with proper precautions and awareness. By taking simple preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing holiday accidents and ensure your festivities remain joyful and safe.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Assessment
If you’ve been injured in a New Jersey accident, a Freehold personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. In this initial consultation, your lawyer will analyze your case, discuss your rights, and create a personalized strategy for recovery.
Contact the New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers of Noonan & McMahon, LLC for Help Today
Noonan & McMahon, LLC – Freehold Office
35 Court St 1A, Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 515 3996