Tag Archives: sober driving

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOLIDAY HAZARDS

The U.S. holiday season begins this week, with the observance of Thanksgiving, Thursday November 28th.  On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, more travelers will be either on the roads or catching planes to reach their destinations of the homes of family or friends.   This time of the year brings the deadliest season of highway accidents.  From Wednesday through January 1st, motorists are asked to observe MADD’s (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) campaign, “Tie One On For Safety.”  Place a red ribbon on your car, or find one of their stickers at your local MADD office.  This will remind other drivers to be more alert than ever during this busy time of the year.  If you spot someone you suspect is drunk or under the influence of drugs, report it to the police or highway patrol.  Keep your cell phone charged and if you need to call, it’s toll-free: 9-1-1.   If you witness a non-emergent event, such as a car that has been stalled, instead of 9-1-1, call your state number for highway assistance.  Texas is *DPS or #377. These numbers are listed by states.  One source is ou.edu./oupd/highway-cell.htm.

As you begin to travel this holiday season there are a few tips you should remember to ensure a safe trip:
* Leave early in order to arrive safely without speeding
* Sleep at least seven to nine hours the night before the trip
* Stop every two hours and walk around
* Be a defensive driver and watch for fatigued or drunk drivers
* Schedule a routine maintenance check on your car before leaving (tire pressure, oil, battery,  windshield wipers, etc.)
* Pack emergency equipment including first aid kits, flashlights, water, and blankets
* Be responsible and don’t drink and drive or text and drive 

In addition to heavy traffic hazards, many parts of the country have deer and other wild animals lurking about.  Control your speed in order to avoid hitting an animal, which can cause havoc to you, the animal, and your vehicle!  Watch for them, because they don’t do a very good job of watching for you. 

One holiday mistake you might make is getting carried away at holiday parties.  Plan ahead that either you or one of your companions will be the designated driver.  Take a cab or call someone to pick you up if you are alone and unable to drive.  Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.  The best idea is to make up your mind that you won’t celebrate too much.  You will thank yourself the next day. 

Highways will be full of law enforcement officers, watching for speeders and dangerous drivers.  Their work assignment is to keep our highways safe for all drivers.  Make their job easier by observing the speed limits.  You will save time for them, and save money for you. 

As you travel, remember the reason you are even driving at all is to spend time with family and friends.  They want you to arrive safely so you can spend precious time together.

Don’t be a statistic this year; be thankful you are able to enjoy the holiday season in the coming few weeks.

TEXAS AMERICA SAFETY COMPANY and BLOG4SAFETY wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and safe holiday season.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

HOW TO KEEP SAFE AND AVOID INJURY THIS 4TH OF JULY (GUEST POST)

Independence Day celebrations generally mean getting together with families and friends for backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and of course, fireworks. Although that may sound like a lot of fun, these activities can also bring dangers of fire, water, food, and heat.

To avoid injuries and make the most out of this annual holiday, here things to take note of:
Watch a professional fireworks show
Instead of setting off fireworks in your own backyard, leave it to the pros. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by watching professional shows. There are many fireworks shows you can watch. Do remember to stay at least 500 feet away. Putting it in your own hands can lead to possible blindness, severe burns – even death.
However, if you really must set fireworks at home, have a fire extinguisher available and ready. Light only one firework at a time and make sure the person lighting it wears eye protection Never point the firework toward people, animals, vehicles, and flammable materials and never attempt to relight. Fires and burns to to fireworks can lead to losing private possessions or lives.  
Grill with caution
Never grill indoors, in a tent, camper or on any surface that may catch fire. Instead, stay at least 10 feet away from your home or any building. Always supervise a grill when in use and don’t forget to use long-handled tools for cooking to keep the chef safe from burns. Before starting the fire, check the tubes that lead to the burner for any blockage from insects or grease. Avoid playing games with flying objects like frisbee, as it may knock candles, torches, and the grill itself. Last but not least, keep children away from the grill area. Use items like lawn chairs to prevent children from entering the area.
Swim safely
Since summer is here, swimming is the most popular activity for the family. To stay safe in the water, you first must know how to swim. If you already do, swim only in designated areas where lifeguards are available. Next is to have a swim buddy, even at a public pool. If you have children, never keep your eyes off them and don’t entrust his life to another child. Inexperienced swimmers should always wear swimming jackets. Also, don’t swim under the influence of alcohol. The same goes for driving…
Don’t drink and drive
According to statistics, the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths rise significantly on the fourth of July. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that Independence Day was the deadliest day on the road from 2006 – 2010.
Drinking alcohol – even just one cocktail – can impair your senses and judgement. So if you must drink on this holiday, make sure to have a designated driver to take your home. If you don’t have a driver, call a cab. If you had a lot to drink, consider staying in your host’s place for the night.
Better yet, stay at home. You don’t need to go out on the 4th of July to have fun. Play host to a neighborhood party instead.
Have a safe and injury-free fourth of July!
 
About the author: Based in California, Melissa Page is a professional writer with over four years of professional writing experience. Despite being a safety-conscious health buff, she still believes in the importance of health insurance, (iCan). She also loves travelling and bowling.