Wet, icy spring weather can lead to hazardous conditions on property and roads.
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Spring is just around the corner, but the winter weather is still here. In fact, Spring can be even more dangerous than winter, because the fluctuating temperatures can lead to unexpected frozen, slippery streets and sidewalks. Take extra care when traveling in volatile conditions (and stop to smell the early-season flowers). 

Sobering Stats:

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations Can Be Deadly

St. Patrick's Day is Thursday, March 17th, which means that you should be cautious of celebrating revelers on the roads the entire weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 276 people died in drunken driving crashes over St. Patrick's Day weekends from 2009 to 2013. In 2013, two out of five crash fatalities during St. Patrick's Day weekend involved drunken driving; between midnight and 5:59 a.m. on March 18, 2013, this rose to a full 55 percent of crash fatalities. Even more frighteningly, from 2009 to 2013, three out of four drunken driving fatalities occurred with drivers who had blood-alcohol levels at more than double the legal limit.

If you're planning to go out and celebrate, make a transportation plan FIRST. Download a ridesharing service app (many have promotional codes to give you a free first ride), program the number to a taxi service into your phone, carpool with a sober friend, or plan your route on public transportation before you start toasting. And don't let friends drive if they've been drinking, either!

If you're on the roads this weekend, exercise extra caution to avoid impaired drivers. Expect the unexpected, especially late at night. If you see a driver who you suspect may be impaired, call 911. And always err on the side of caution and be aware of your surroundings. In the words of a traditional Irish toast:

May we be alive at this time next year.

 

Spring = Slip and Fall Season

Even as the days warm up, the nighttime temperatures can get cold enough to freeze a thin layer of ice on sidewalks, streets, and outdoor stairs. Rain or snowmelt also gets tracked in to entryways, causing slippery, dangerous conditions. If you're a business owner, take care to continue to treat your property with salt or chemical de-icers until the weather stays consistently warm enough to avoid any chance of freezing. Lay out mats, carpets, or non-slip flooring to help keep entry and hallways safe for your clients, customers, and employees. Having a bin by the door for umbrellas or a stand of disposable umbrella bags is also advisable.

Take extra care when entering and exiting buildings during the transition season to prevent injuries that would put a damper on the summer fun that is right around the corner. 

New Free eBook: Personal Injury 201

Despite the best efforts, sometimes you can't avoid injury. The best defense is to be prepared! Know your rights and responsibilities if you are injured, and find out tips to help you recover if you suffer a personal injury in a slip and fall, vehicle collision, or other accident.  

Download the free eBook now by clicking the link below! 

Free personal injury eBook

Contact the Mark Law Firm

To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced New Jersey attorneys at the Basking Ridge, Oradell, or Newark, New Jersey, law offices of the Mark Law Firm, click the link below or call 973-440-2311, 908-626-1001, or 201-787-9406 today.

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