Autumn is fast approaching, particularly with Daylight Saving Time ends every year on the first Sunday in November. With the days getting shorter and the nights getting longer as we prepare for the festivities of upcoming holidays and holiday shopping, it normally means that it gets darker earlier.
As we set our clocks backward by one hour round the country, remember to change the batteries of the clocks. Remember that with it getting darker much earlier, driving safely needs extra bit of caution. (Fall into Safety)
Remember to Take Your Flu Shots!
As the flu season started in the fall, I hope that you have taken the flu vaccine to prevent yourself from getting the flu. If have not yet received yours, remember that it is recommended EVERYONE 6 months and older gets vaccinated against the flu. Center of Disease Control reminds everyone that flu season runs between October of each year until the following May, it is important to protect yourself and others by reducing the risk of getting the flu with a vaccine.
For those that have received the vaccine already, take heart that you may still get the flu with the vaccination. The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on various factors, not limited your age, as well as health status. However, there is a good chance that if you get it, there is less of a chance for you to be as sick with the flu without the vaccine. (Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine)
Drive Safely as it Gets Darker Earlier
Fatigue, lack of light, compromised night vision, rush hour and impaired drivers could be all reasons that cause driving at night more dangerous than during any other time of day. Approximately 60% of adults have driven while they were tired, and another 100 million people, have fallen asleep at the wheel. Among these 100 million people, 13% say they fall asleep while driving at least once a month, and 4% have caused a crash by falling asleep while driving. (National Sleep Foundation)
Why do people fall asleep at the wheel? There may be many reasons, including lack of quality sleep, long work hours, sleep disorders, which do not require a lengthy trip to have the driver falling asleep. With daylight saving hours end, most days it gets dark by around 5:00pm, many will find themselves spending more time driving in the dark. Depth perception, color recognition, and the glare of headlights from another car coming can temporarily blind a driver. (The Most Dangerous Time to Drive)
To drive safety at night, keep in mind some of these tips:
- Stay in your lane and beware of drivers who dart from lane to lane
- Even though the route may be familiar, don't go on autopilot; stay alert
- In unfamiliar areas, consult a map before you go and memorize your route
- Don't touch your phone, eat, drink or do other things that are distracting (Drowsy Driving Facts and Stats)
How Will You and Your Family Keep Yourselves Safe This Fall?
We've all heard it's important when choosing toys for infants or small children to avoid small parts that might prove to be a choking hazard. Here are some additional gift-related safety tips:
