June is National Safety Month, when the National Safety Council (NSC) and thousands of other organizations focus on encouraging safe practices and protecting ourselves and those around us by reducing accidents. Each June, these organizations come together to raise awareness of the leading causes of injury and death on the road, at work, and at home.
In honor of National Safety Month, we are sharing some tips to help you stay safe from common causes of injuries. According to the NCS, preventable injuries are the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn how you can prevent injuries at home, on the road, and at work.
Suffocation
For children under 12 months of age, mechanical suffocation is the leading cause of death. The NCS estimates that about 2 children suffocate each day in a preventable accident. Protect your child from the risk of suffocation with these tips:
- Never let infants share a bed with you. Always have them sleep in a crib.
- Place infants on their back to sleep.
- Keep stuffed animals and blankets out of cribs.
Traffic Collisions
For people between the ages of 1 and 24, car accidents are the leading cause of death. Each day, about 21 preventable deaths occur due to auto accidents, according to the NSC. Thousands of people are injured in crashes each year, and many of these accidents can be avoided with a few good habits:
- Always wear a seatbelt in the car, even if you’re on a short drive.
- Use size-appropriate child seats and restraints.
- Drive with your teens regularly, even after they have their license, to help correct bad habits and let them gain more experience.
- Refrain from using electronic devices while driving.
- Drive appropriately for the conditions, and slow down when it begins to get dark, the weather is poor, or there is traffic.
- Allow extra space between you and the car in front of you.
Poisoning
Poisoning or overdose accidents are the leading cause of death for those between 25 and 64. Prescription medications can be a considerable risk, and opioid pain medications can cause accidental overdoses and addiction. The NSC estimates that 92 people die each day from overdosing or poisoning. Protect yourself from accidental poisoning by:
- Asking your doctor for alternative methods of pain management, or non-narcotic painkillers.
- Taking the smallest dose possible for only a short time, if you need to use opioid pain killers.
- Never sharing your prescriptions with friends or family.
- Keeping all medications secured where children and pets do not have access.
- Keeping medications in the original labeled bottles.
Falls
Slipping and falling can happen to anyone, but those over 65 are particularly at risk of falling accidents. Approximately 69 deaths occur every day from falls, according to the NSC. Protect yourself from falls with these tips:
- Use non-skid mats in the bath and shower.
- Install grab bars in the shower, tub, or near the toilet.
- Install adequate lighting in all stairways and rooms.
- Ensure that rugs, cords, and other tripping hazards are secured.
- Always use handrails when going up or down stairs
- Ensure that your yard is free of hazards, such as roots, uneven pavement, and puddles.
This month, focus on developing safe habits. A few easy changes can be all it takes to prevent an accident or save a life. Learn more about National Safety Month on the National Safety Council website.
Preventing injuries is important, but it is still possible to be injured by a negligent person. If you’ve been injured, our Dallas personal injury attorneys are here to help. We are experienced in a wide variety of personal injury claims, and we believe that each case deserves a unique approach. At Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers, we believe in thinking outside of the box to help our clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Contact our offices today! Call (214) 739-0100 to schedule a free consultation.