A White Christmas; every child's festive wish and the scene for many a Christmas tale. But with the beauty of ice and the splendour of freshly fallen snow come dangers and hazards seen at no other time of the year.
Across Britain daily routines are being forced to change; commuters are being urged to travel only when absolutely necessary to avoid the increased risk of serious injury, employers are closing their businesses earlier and numerous schools have closed their doors entirely. But sadly despite the precautions being taken nationwide, the freezing weather conditions have already claimed several lives.
On 2nd December 2010 two teenage girls were killed in a road traffic collision believed to have been caused by black ice. Another girl suffered serious injury after being crushed by falling snow. Two elderly people have also died, believed to have frozen to death in their gardens.
Unfortunately for Britain, predictions have been made that see snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures bringing in the New Year and unhappily, history shows that many will become victim to personal injury as a result. In 2009, due to hazardous weather and poor road conditions, 24,054 people suffered fatal or serious injury with 139,500 suffering minor personal injury. In 2008, the total number of those who suffered personal injury as a result of road traffic collisions was 170,591.
Such precautionary measures as wearing sensible footwear, venturing out only when necessary and wearing high visibility clothing can all help toward reducing the risk of suffering personal injury. When travelling by car, keeping extra blankets and water with you and ensuring you have enough charge on your mobile telephone to make an emergency call will come in useful if you break down or are involved in an accident.
But it is not all doom and gloom. The cold snap provides a perfect setting for festive fun and horseplay. No Christmas after all, would be complete without the making of a snowman! For seven people in North Yorkshire, they were able to enjoy the ultimate 9- day lock-in at a local pub with snow having blocked the windows and doors. No personal injury is reported to have resulted there! People all over Britain have also been braving the cold to snowboard, sledge and ice skate over rural and urban landscapes alike. No doubt photographers have also enjoyed capturing the true beauty of Winter's wonderland.
The wintry scene should be enjoyed but whilst there can be fun there must also be prudence. To avoid suffering personal injury simply take care; allow more time for making journeys, clear snow and ice wherever you can and ensure your motor vehicle is properly equipped for travelling in wintry conditions. Businesses and Councils can only do so much to ensure you do not suffer personal injury.
No one sets out to be the victim of personal injury and serious injury of any kind is never easy to endure so please, do all that you can this Winter to take precaution against becoming a statistic. Most importantly of all enjoy this Winter however you can.
From us all at Hilary Meredith Solicitors have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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