How To Avoid Black Friday Injuries

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Saving money by doing your holiday shopping on Black Friday appears to have become a tradition in Canada. Millions of people will converge upon stores throughout the country to take advantage of the savings offered by retailers. The huge and frequently unruly crowds have caused injuries and even deaths throughout North America as people surge to get into a store as its doors open or fight with each other over merchandise. Here are a few tips for staying safe while bargain hunting in Ontario this Black Friday.

Don’t have an accident before you get to the store

The large number of people heading to stores means there will be more traffic on the roads. Distracted driving is as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Carrying on a conversation or texting on your cellphone takes your attention away from the road and away from the task of driving. Wait until you have safely parked your car before using your phone.

Cellphones are not the only distraction in a vehicle. If you are heading to a store or shopping area for the first time to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime sale, your vehicle’s navigation system can make getting there quicker and easier. It can also become a distraction by diverting your attention away from the road. Program addresses into the system before heading out and make adjustments only after you have pulled safely to the side of the road.

Avoid the crowds

People pushing and shoving as they rush to enter a store at opening time have been responsible for Black Friday injuries in cities throughout North American, but Canadians seem to have refrained from such conduct. Even so, it’s still a good idea for shoppers throughout Ontario to be cautious and not try to be the first person into the store as it opens for business.

Plan your shopping day to get to the stores during times of the day when they are not as crowded. This means avoiding being there for the opening of the store even if it means missing out on a particular item. It’s simply not worth being injured and missing time from work just to save some money.

Walk, don’t run

Property owners have an obligation to provide a safe environment for Black Friday shoppers, but anxious shoppers can leave store aisles littered with boxes, merchandise and debris. Ontario shop owners have an obligation under the Occupiers’ Liability Actto make regular inspections to identify and correct hazardous conditions, but this can be difficult on a day such as Black Friday.

Use caution when moving about in a store and do not run. Be particularly mindful of substances that might have spilled onto floors causing them to be slippery. If you do fall, contact a store employee immediately and make a written report of the accident. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible to have any injuries treated.

Personal injury lawyers you can trust

The best way to stay safe on Black Friday might be to wait until Cyber Monday, and do all of your shopping online.If you do venture out to the stores, thepersonal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamondare ready with knowledgeable legal advice and superior representation in the event you are injured in an accident. They have years of experience pursuing claims for compensation against property owners, retail stores and other parties whose negligence caused someone to suffer injuries. Don’t delay, contact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.