608-237-7035 / 815-243-9686


Taking precautions around the holidays will help ensure that you and your family can safely enjoy the parties, gatherings, and events without injury. Travel increases tremendously during the holiday season. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 329 traffic deaths on new Year’s Day, 463 on Thanksgiving Day, and 299 on Christmas Day in 2017. The best way to travel safely is to be extra cautious and be prepared.

How To Prepare For Holiday Travel

  • Always travel with an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.
  • Stay alert and don’t drive drowsy.
  • Plan for plenty of time to cushion your travel so you aren’t tempted to speed.
  • Everyone in the car should always wear a seat belt and children should be properly secured in the appropriate child safety seats.
  • Drive defensively.
  • Don’t engage in aggressive driving behaviors.
  • Make sure to have a designated driver or the number of a taxi service if there are plans to consume alcohol.

Travel isn’t the only potential hazard that causes injuries during the holiday season.

What Are Tips To Decorate Safely?

  • Some plants are poisonous, mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis should not be in a home in which young children who tend to put things in their mouths reside.
  • Artificial trees should be fire-resistant and this is especially so with children and pets in the house.
  • Fresh trees should have 2 inches cut off of the tree trunk before they are put in water so they absorb more water and will be less prone to drying out and being an increased fire hazard.
  • Do not position your trees near fireplaces, radiators, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Keep small, choke-hazard or easily broken glass ornaments away from the lower parts of your tree or anywhere that little children can access them.
  • Keep indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
  • Do not use lights that are broken, are frayed, or have loose connections.
  • Light packages will have instructions that indicate how many sets can be plugged into a socket, make sure to familiarize yourself with this information before you put them on.
  • Keep plugs away from the ground where they can be hazardous if they come in contact with puddles and snow.
  • Don’t keep lights on when you leave the house or go to bed, always turn off lights when you are not alert or in your home.

Where To Find Legal Assistance If You Have Been Injured In An Accident In Wisconsin Or Illinois

A blue and orange logo is shown on the side of a black background.Whether you are on business premises and slip-and-fall or you are on the road and you are hit by a negligent driver, injuries from accidents that aren’t your fault can be challenging to overcome and heal from. You may have a case for a personal injury claim to recoup compensation for your damages. The Roscoe slip and fall accident lawyers at Alexander J. Smith Law Offices can help you determine if your accident situation is viable for filing a successful claim. The resourceful Janesville personal injury lawyers at Alexander J. Smith are committed to providing the best legal representation to victims of accidents and helping them see their full legal justice.

Call the legal professionals at Alexander J. Smith today and set up a free consultation at (608) 237-7035 for residents of Wisconsin or (815) 243-9686 for residents of Illinois. One of our highly knowledgeable Wisconsin and Illinois accident injury attorneys will discuss your accident experience with you and advise you on a successful path to move forward with a claim.