The holiday season can be one of the most festive and fun times of the year, but it is also one of the most dangerous.

Accidents on the road or at home tend to happen at a very high rate during the holidays. They can all be prevented by being careful and using common sense.

First and foremost, it is important for everyone to buckle up. You should buckle your seat belt every time you ride in the car, but be sure you wear it while driving in holiday traffic. People travel more during the holiday than at any other time during the year and wearing a seat belt may prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision.

It is also very important to designate a driver and to make sure that if you are hosting a party, all of your guests have a safe ride home. If you are hosting a party this New Year's Eve, make sure that there are nonalcoholic beverages available for the designated drivers.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires, deaths and associated injuries caused by candles have reached an 18-year peak. Make sure that if you are lighting holiday candles, they are out of the reach of children, and are not near decorations or other combustible materials.

It is also very important to never place a candle in a window or near an exit. If your Christmas tree is still up, make sure that there is fresh water and that the tree is away from heat sources. Even artificial trees should be flame retardant and kept away from heat. Another holiday source of fire are holiday lights displays and overused outlets.

“One of the highest priorities of the American Red Cross is to provide people with family disaster preparedness and injury prevention skills,” said Ruben Brown, director of the American Red Cross South Metro Service Center.

The Red Cross also offers several tips for Y2K preparedness. It is recommended that people prepare as they would prepare for a storm of any kind. You should have a supply of nonperishable foods, fresh water, extra cash, coats and blankets to keep warm, flashlights and extra batteries and an ample supply of prescription and nonprescription medications.

The holidays are on their way out and a new year is upon us. By being conscious of your actions and playing it safe, you will be able to usher in many new years to come.

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