Let’s face it: holiday shopping is a double-edged sword. Sure, there are lots of good deals, and it feels nice to buy gifts for your friends and family. But the crowds along with other safety risks will always pose a threat during your shopping experience.
Let’s be honest:
Not everyone knows how to stay safe during the holidays. There are certain safety hazards that come up that many people aren’t prepared for. A surprising amount of people get injured while shopping during the holidays – 2,400 people during the 2016-2017 holiday season, as a matter of fact. Many people get into tragic holiday shopping accidents because of their unpreparedness. So, let Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys give you a few tips to stay safe from holiday shopping accidents!
Before You Go
You can take certain precautions before you go do your holiday shopping. Here are just a few tips to make sure you’re as safe as can be:
Dress Appropriately
Before you go shopping, you should always make sure you’re dressed appropriately. This means that you should leave any valuables, such as expensive jewelry, at home. Wearing expensive jewelry can attract thieves, so you should leave any bracelets, watches, earrings, and other expensive jewelry at home where they cannot be lost or stolen in the store. Other valuables, too, such as sunglasses, scarves, and other accessories can attract thieves. Dress minimally!
Leave Your Children
It’s always best to leave your children at home with someone you trust when you go holiday shopping. This is because the busyness and the crowds can be overwhelming and, frankly, unsafe, especially for children. Not to mention the fact that the possibility of separation is always looming. If you must bring your child, however, teach them to ask an employee for help if you get separated from them. You could additionally tell them to go to a designated meet-up spot in case of separation.
Take What You Need
Having what you need is critical when you’re shopping, especially during the holidays. This is why you should take out any ATM withdraws the day before you go shopping. Keep all necessary cash and cards on your person at all times. Do not take out your cash/cards until you are ready to pay for your items. Never leave your items unattended.
In the Parking Lot
The parking lot is a hot spot when it comes to holiday accidents. The increased traffic can cause quite a few holiday shopping accidents. To stay safe in the parking lot, follow these tips:
Watch for Pedestrians
Always keep your eye out for pedestrians. There’s going to be a lot more foot-traffic during the holidays, so you should expect that people will randomly go in front of your vehicle. Frustrating, yes, but nonetheless a common occurrence. Drive slowly in the parking lot, and always yield to pedestrians, even if they aren’t using a crosswalk.
Watch for Other Vehicles
Other vehicles pose safety threats in the parking lot, too. Because of increased traffic, both from pedestrians and other vehicles, it can be quite difficult to see. When turning, always drive slowly and make sure no one else is coming. When parking, do not fight over parking spots with other drivers. Doing so can back up traffic and cause road rage, and no one wants that! When backing up out of a parking space, you should be especially vigilant. Constantly check for pedestrians and other vehicles that may be moving too fast.
Know Your Spot
You should always remember where you park! If you have to, take a picture of where you parked so you can jog your memory when you leave the store. If possible, you should always park in a well-lit area (such as by a streetlight). This will help mark your spot and make it easier to find your vehicle. In addition, parking in a well-lit spot deters thieves from breaking into your vehicle.
In the Store
Many shopping injuries occur inside stores, as well. Anything from slipping and falling to being trampled. If you suffer from a personal injury, contact Lerner and Rowe! For now, here are some safety tips while shopping in the store:
Have a Plan
When you enter your store of choice, you should have a plan. You should already know what you want to buy and where in the store those items can be found. It’s best if you scout out the store the day before you go shopping just to see where everything is. This way, you won’t have to aimlessly wander the store before you find what you want. In addition, getting in and out of the store more quickly helps you avoid crowds and other safety hazards.
Stay Alert
You should be aware of your surrounding at all times when in the store. Thieves and scammers will try to take advantage of people who look lost or confused. Stay confident, and always keep your wits about you. You should stay at least 3 feet away from other individuals when you’re shopping alone. If someone gets too close, keep a close eye on them and on your belongings.
Don’t Overburden Yourself
Fatigue is one common cause of holiday shopping accidents. You should never buy more items than you can carry. If you do, you should always have a shopping cart. However, the more items you buy, the more vulnerable you become to shoplifters and thieves. So, never leave your items unattended, not even when going to the restroom. If you must leave your items unattended for some reason, leave them with a store employee.
Injured from a Holiday Shopping Accident?
Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today! Our experience can help you get the maximum compensation. We work for YOU, and we personally will address your concerns. Call us anytime at 844-977-1900. Additionally, you can contact us online and utilize our LiveChat feature. Consultations are absolutely free. We do not collect fees unless we win your case, so don’t hesitate! Call Lerner and Rowe today!
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.