Avoiding Danger: Winter Safety Tips

Attorneys David Daggett and Griff Shuler recently appeared on Triad Today to share their best winter safety tips. With the recent cold and icy weather, knowing how to stay safe is important for everyone. Watch the segment to learn more:

Winter can present a variety of dangers that can result in serious injuries. One of the primary dangers of heading out in bad weather is the potential for car accidents. David shared some common-sense advice for staying as safe as possible while operating a vehicle in these types of conditions:

• Slow down – Slippery conditions require slower speeds. Going too fast on icy or snowy roads can lead to skidding or losing control of your vehicle. Take your time.
• Watch out for other cars – Being aware of other motorists is critical. Be especially sure to check your blind spots and mirrors to get a full picture of your surroundings and potential dangers.
• Be prepared – Keep supplies in your car should you get stuck. Be sure to include warm clothes like a coat, blankets, and water in your car.
• Charge your phone – Before heading out, make sure your phone is fully charged in the event of an emergency that requires calling for help.
• Look out for black ice – Just because the road appears clear doesn’t mean that ice isn’t hiding. Hitting a patch of ice can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, which can lead to an accident.

Staying safe in the home is also paramount. In the event of bad weather, you should take these steps to be ready:

• Be prepared to lose power – Make sure you have flashlights ready with fresh batteries. If you have a generator, always keep it outside. Bringing one into the house is extremely dangerous and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functional – These devices will alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning is serious and can be fatal.
• Wrap your pipes – Use pipe insulation or rags to prevent pipes from freezing, which can lead to them bursting. Pay special attention to pipes located in outer walls and external piping.

Winter weather can also be hard on the body. Activites such as shoveling require extra exertion, which can lead to health emergencies such as heart attacks. Always take your time and listen to your body when performing these types of tasks.

Additionally, slipping on ice can lead to serious injuries. In fact, the number-one cause of debilitating injuries among older people is falls. If you slip or fall while at work, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits.

When it comes to your pets, a good rule of thumb is if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Limit their time outside, consider clothing such as sweaters and booties to help them stay warm, and be sure to use pet-safe products if you use salt.

Later in the episode, David Daggett participated in the Roundtable discussion with Ogi Overman and Keith Grandberry. They discussed current news items and political issues.

We Support the Triad Community

As always, the team at Daggett Shuler Law is proud to help support efforts to make a positive impact in our local area and support our students. Our Safe Sober program and Back-to-School Backpack Program are just some of the ways we strive to serve our community. We believe in setting an example and supporting those working to improve the quality and health of our communities. 

About Daggett Shuler

Contact our legal team about your personal injury, workers’ compensation or disability claim to see how we can help. Fill out our contact form or call 336-724-1234 for more information or a free, no-obligation consultation.