How to Stay Safe at Home, On the Road, and at Gatherings This Holiday Season

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but they’re also a time when distractions run high, routines change, and risks creep in when we’re not paying attention. From overloaded outlets to busy roads to recalled toys, a few wise choices can make all the difference. As you enjoy the holidays with family, friends, and coworkers, here are real-world tips to help you stay safe at home, on the road, and at gatherings. The only thing you should bring into the new year is good memories. These holiday safety tips can help!

1. Stay Safe at Home: Decor, Toys, and Technology
Even in the comfort of your home, hazards can show up in unexpected places during the holidays. Taking a few simple steps now can improve holiday safety and keep festivities running smoothly.

Avoiding decoration-related hazards
Holiday décor often introduces temporary risks: extension cords across walkways, candles burning longer than intended, or artificial trees placed too close to heat sources. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 230,000 people are injured each year during holiday decorating — often from preventable electrical issues or falls.

Holiday safety tips for decorating:

  • Keep live trees watered and check artificial trees for a “fire-resistant” label.
  • Inspect lights for broken bulbs or frayed wiring; discard anything damaged.
  • Keep décor at least three feet from fireplaces or heaters.
  • Secure extension cords to avoid tripping hazards, especially for children and older adults.

Give toys that are joyful — and safe
Toy-related injuries send more than 200,000 children to emergency rooms each year. Many caregivers are surprised to learn that second-hand toys and smart toys can introduce added risks.

Holiday safety tips for gift-giving:

  • Check for recalls, especially on used or older toys.
  • Follow age guidelines — if a toy part fits inside a toilet paper tube, it’s unsafe for small children.
  • Ensure toys with small magnets or button batteries are firmly secured.
  • Review privacy policies on AI-enabled toys, which may collect voice data or images.

These small steps help create a safer environment for the youngest members of your family.

2. Stay Safe on the Road: Holiday Driving Risks
Holiday travel increases traffic statewide — and Arizona consistently sees spikes in crashes from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. According to 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, 27 people were killed on Arizona roads during the 2024 holiday season, a decrease from 39 fatalities in 2023, but still a sobering reminder of how quickly celebrations can turn tragic.

Holiday safety tips for driving:

  • Plan your route before leaving to limit distractions.
  • Watch for impaired drivers, especially late at night.
  • Build extra time into your schedule to avoid rushed, risky driving.
  • Avoid peak travel windows like Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas Eve.
  • Designate a sober driver — even one drink can impair reaction time.

Staying alert on Arizona’s roads is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others.

3. Stay Safe at Holiday Gatherings: Hosts and Guests Both Play a Role
From neighborhood open houses to office parties, celebrations can become risky when alcohol is involved or safety boundaries break down. Nationally, one-third of holiday traffic fatalities involve alcohol — a trend reflected in Arizona as well.

If you’re hosting:

  • Encourage guests to choose designated drivers or use ride-share services.
  • Offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic options.
  • Avoid overserving; in some states, hosts may be legally responsible for intoxicated guests who cause harm.
  • Never allow underage drinking.
  • Keep walkways clear and well-lit.
  • Stay in control of the event by moderating your own alcohol consumption.

If you’re attending:

  • Plan transportation before the event.
  • Pace your drinking and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Speak up if you see unsafe behavior.

Responsible choices at gatherings are a cornerstone of holiday safety — protecting you and those around you long after the festivities end.

If You’re Injured This Holiday Season
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen — often because of someone else’s negligence. If you’re injured in a car crash, slip-and-fall, or unsafe holiday gathering, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bache Lynch Goldsmith & Mendoza.