The last place anyone wants to spend their time is in the emergency room. No one wants to be sitting in pain in a room filled with people for hours waiting to be treated by overworked medical staff. Even though physical activities are less frequent, people don’t stop getting hurt in winter. The winter weather increases the risk of different injuries.
The weather in Arizona can vary across the state, but many places experience extreme cold, heavy rain, and snow during wintertime. This type of weather can be hazardous for drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else outside. Stay safe with these tips to avoid the emergency room in Arizona this winter. If you are ever harmed while braving the cold because of another person’s negligence, you may want to contact a personal injury lawyer.
Drive Safe, Slow, and Smart
Winter is the worst time to neglect driving safety. Often, people end up having to go to the emergency room in the winter due to car accidents. For example, driving without regard for winter hazards and speeding on wet, icy roads can put your life and others’ in danger.
The aftereffects of cold weather make the roads exponentially more dangerous than usual. Practice safe driving and be mindful of the cars around you, puddles, and ice patches. Also, drive slowly and carefully to avoid hydroplaning or skidding out of control on the pavement.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Danger is not always apparent in the winter. A previously safe and unassuming area could transform into a slip and fall hazard. Wet, cold conditions could turn sidewalks and roads into hazards, but as long as you stay aware of your surroundings, you won’t be caught off guard.
Keep an eye out for hazards like ice patches or slush whenever you’re outside. Slipping and falling on hard concrete is a quick way to get sent to the ER and end up with long-term injuries.
Dress Appropriately for the Weather
In Arizona, thousands of people have visited the emergency room due to cold-related illnesses—many of which were from exposure to extreme cold—and hundreds have died as a result. It’s vital to limit the amount of time you spend out in the cold and be dressed warmly.
You should also invest in quality winter footwear. Winter boots or other shoes built for the snow and ice can help prevent slips and falls in the wintertime. Even if they don’t go perfectly with your attire, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to preventing a trip to the ER.
Be Mindful of How You Use Heating Devices
Be aware of how you choose to stay warm in the wintertime. Many people use space heaters to keep their homes warm or for outdoor activities in the cold.
When using space heaters and other heating devices, you should never leave them unattended or misuse them because doing so could result in severe burns. Unattended space heaters can malfunction and cause fires. Always supervise children and animals around space heaters to help prevent burn injuries and fires.
Drink Indoors and Stay Indoors
While enjoying a drink outside is a pleasant way to spend a summer evening, it could put you in danger in the winter. When intoxicated, you are more likely to lose your balance and injure yourself on wet, icy sidewalks.
Drinking outdoors is also dangerous because if people are drinking outside, they may fall asleep outside. Being unconscious in cold weather is very dangerous. People risk developing hypothermia and dying from exposure to cold temperatures.
Contact an Experienced Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer
You can be careful every day, but you cannot control the actions of others. There will always be someone behaving recklessly and endangering those around them. As a result, your visit to the emergency room may not even be your fault. However, that doesn’t mean you are powerless to do something about it afterward.
If you were injured or lost a loved one due to someone else’s carelessness in winter weather, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Feller & Wendt, LLC, we have been helping personal injury victims recover damages for more than 25 years. We will fight to help you receive the justice and fair compensation you are entitled to. To schedule a free legal consultation for your personal injury case, call us at (480) 702-2277 or fill out our contact form.
