June is National Safety Month. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 1 and 44 is injury.1 Distracted driving, slipping and falling, and the misuse of prescription drugs all contribute to injuries that ultimately lead to fatality. The main cause of disability for all Americans can also be attributed to injury. The truth is many of these injuries can be prevented; using common sense and following some basic safety tips can keep you from becoming disabled or even dying due to injury.
Safety Tips for Distracted Driving
- Put down the phone.2 Incidentally, earphones and headphones can be just as dangerous as physically picking up your cell phone. If you don't have a hands-free set-up in your car, put your phone in the glove compartment if you have to in order to resist temptation.
- Put your makeup on and comb your hair either at home or when you arrive at your destination, not while driving.
- Eat at the restaurant. If you don't have time for that, wait until you arrive at your destination to eat.
- It's never okay to watch a video when driving. Adjusting your music volume, playlist, or radio station can also be a deadly distraction.
- Avoid heated or overly lively debates with your passengers.
- Set your navigation device before you take off, and don't try to read a map while driving.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
One in four older adults suffers from a fall each year.3 But regardless of your age, a bad fall can cause broken bones and other health problems. Slips and falls can often be prevented by paying attention and adhering to basic safety tips.
- See your eye doctor at least annually.
- Discuss your medications with your physician or pharmacist. Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness that can lead to falls. Learn about all the side effects of your medications, and if appropriate, take medications that cause dizziness or sleepiness before you go to bed.
- Wear proper footwear with non-skid soles and good support. The best shoes are those that fit well, feel good, and lace up or secured with Velcro. If you have to wear heels, exercise caution by using handrails or getting a helping hand from a companion.
- Exercise regularly to maintain good physical balance, flexibility, and overall body strength.
- Make your home a safe place. Make sure your lights are bright enough, and install night lights and stairway lights. Keep clutter off the floor; magazines and glossy advertisements can be especially slippery. Recycle them as soon as you've read them, or right away if you're not going to. Throw rugs can be a hazard; if you have them, use non-slip pads underneath them.
- Install grab bars in your shower and handrails along walkways and steps.
Safety Tips for Prescription Drug Use
New Jersey law now requires insurance companies to cover addiction treatment for substance abuse.4 This might help curtail fatalities due to the misuse of prescribed opioids and other narcotics. If you're using prescribed medications, prevent potential misuse by using them only as prescribed, keeping them in a safe place away from children and others, not mixing them with alcohol or other drugs, and never sharing them.
By exercising good judgment and being alert, you can avoid many injuries. Unfortunately, disability and death due to injury can't always be prevented. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, talk to one of our New Jersey personal injury lawyers in Oradell, Basking Ridge, or Newark about your options for recovering damages. Contact the Mark Law Firm today.