Last Updated On: 5 November 2024

Autumn’s Hidden Hazards – Stay Safe with Our Provider Network

With autumn and the arrival of daylight savings, this season brings a new set of slip-and-fall risks. Weather changes, shorter days, and bustling holiday activities can create hazardous conditions, especially for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four falls among people ages 65 and older report falling each year, with about 3 million emergency department visits due to those falls. By understanding common seasonal hazards, you can take steps to help prevent accidents and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Limited Visibility

While falling leaves create a beautiful autumn landscape, they can also obscure vision and hide potential obstacles. Wet leaves, in particular, can create slick, hazardous surfaces, especially on sidewalks and pathways. It’s important to stay vigilant and avoid areas where leaves accumulate, as they may hide uneven surfaces or slippery patches.

Shorter Days and Increased Darkness

The end of Daylight Saving Time means shorter days, with dusk arriving earlier. This change in daylight hours can make evening commutes more challenging and dangerous. Reduced light not only impacts visibility but also affects the drive home, with sun glare at dawn and dusk creating additional challenges. Be extra cautious on the road or while walking after dark.

Wet and Slippery Conditions

Autumn showers bring an increased risk of slippery streets and sidewalks. In states like California, even light drizzle can mix with oil residue on streets, making roads particularly slick. This makes for slippery driving conditions, and puddles or standing water on walkways can lead to accidents. Drivers should slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles, while pedestrians should wear non-slip shoes and walk carefully in wet conditions.

Holiday Decorations and Lawn Hazards

As we decorate our homes for Thanksgiving and other fall holidays, it’s easy to overlook the potential risks posed by lawn ornaments, holiday lights, and decorations. Decorations that are improperly secured can fall or blow into walkways, creating tripping hazards. Being mindful of where you place decorations and checking them regularly can reduce risks.

Increased Foot Traffic in Retail Spaces

With the holiday shopping season gearing up in autumn, retail spaces become more crowded, leading to increased risks of spills, slippery floors, and crowded aisles. The rise in shopping traffic can increase slip-and-fall incidents. Whether in a busy mall or a bustling local store, shoppers should stay alert for potential hazards, and businesses should maintain clean, well-organized spaces to keep visitors safe.

Staying Safe This Season

Although many autumn hazards are difficult to avoid, awareness and caution can help prevent injuries. Taking extra care on wet sidewalks, driving carefully during rain, and securing decorations can keep you and your loved ones safe during this busy season.

If a slip-and-fall accident does occur, it’s important to seek professional care to ensure proper recovery. Power Liens offers a network of experienced providers who specialize in treating slip-and-fall injuries on a lien basis. Check out our top providers below to find the right specialist for your client’s recovery needs. Stay safe this autumn!