Accidents are bound to happen in life. Sometimes, circumstances really are entirely out of our control, and we simply cannot prevent the consequences.
Although, there are also incidents where we can help out our own fate. And in these situations, it is best to practice some sound decision-making skills.
Plastic surgeons recently weighed in on some of the most common bad habits that you should avoid at all costs in order to prevent an accident waiting to happen and save yourself a trip to the emergency room.
Petting Dogs You Don’t Know
Everyone loves adorable four-legged friends. But, unless you personally know a canine– or get explicit permission from the pet’s owner– refrain from petting them.
Over 4.5 million people in the United States– predominantly children– suffer a dog bite every single year. Approximately one in five of these cases also require medical treatment.
So, remember to admire from afar and only touch when told it is okay. Likewise, if you have children, teach them never to interact with any strange animals.
Dangling Your Limbs Outside Of Car Windows
Yes, sticking your arm or head out of a moving car on a sunny day might make you feel like you are in a California music video. But, if your extremities collide with a road sign or another moving vehicle, the consequences can be severe.
“I’ve seen horrific hand and arm injuries from people putting their arms out of a car window,” said Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Kelly Killeen in an interview with BuzzFeed.
“Everyone thinks they have quick reflexes, but I can assure you that’s not the case. You’re thinking about other things like slamming on the brakes or moving the car, not necessarily getting your arm out of the way.”
So, to avoid a gruesome injury, pretend your SUV is a rollercoaster car and abide by the “keep all body parts inside the vehicle at all times” rule. You will be thankful you did.
ATV Riding
Riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) might seem like a fun– and even safer– way to try out an off-roading excursion. However, just because the vehicles have four wheels does not mean they are any less prone to accidents.
Over 2,200 people died in accidents linked to off-highway vehicles (OHVs)– which include ATVs– between 2016 and 2018, according to the Consumer Product Safety Center (CSPC).
ATVs were also specifically responsible for 75% of the deaths, with 300 being children who were under the age of 16. Additionally, numerous patients also required treatment in the emergency room.
So, unless you are highly experienced with ATV riding, your best bet is to steer clear of these off-road vehicles.
Setting Off Fireworks
Every Fourth of July, your neighborhood is likely bombarded with DIY firework displays. It perhaps goes without saying, though, that the consequences of this activity can be severe.
First of all, it is impossible to know just how long a firework will take to explode– which means you run the risk of getting caught in the fire. Plus, fireworks set off in neighborhoods can fly in unexpected directions– causing trees, brush, and other houses to set aflame.
In 2020, the rate of firework-related injuries was especially high– likely due to COVID-19 lockdown boredom and the cancellation of annual events. That year, the CSPC revealed there was a 56% increase in firework injuries.
So, be sure to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals and avoid trying to put on your own shows.
Punching Walls
We have all watched too many angsty teenage boys in fictional television shows punch a wall or window after receiving some upsetting news. Truth be told, though, this rage habit is not isolated to the big screen.
Countless people still turn to violence– particularly punching walls or windows– when they are looking to blow off some steam. While fictional characters might just walk away with some bruised knuckles, though, the real-life consequences can be much more damning.
Dr. Shirley Madhere, a plastic surgeon in New York City, once treated a man who punched a glass window and actually stripped his entire arm– removing all of the skin from the area.
“We had to do a reclamp of his arm because it detached from some tendons and blood vessels. We reattached them one by one. I was in the operating room for 36 hours,” Dr. Madhere recalled.
So, whenever you are angry, try to decompress by taking a timeout, practicing breathing exercises, or even going to an anger management class. And if you really feel the need to punch something, try a pillow instead.
