It’s party season, featuring a host of end-of-year office events, with our long-awaited vacations just around the corner. But, to continue celebrating together, we need to continue taking care of each other.

At this time of year, when there are so many gatherings and celebrations, we need to make sure we don’t lower our guard. Let's continue looking after each other.

Here are some general recommendations to try and avoid accidents.

General recommendations

Continue protecting ourselves against COVID-19:

• If you meet up with people outside your family bubble, try to do this in open, well-ventilated spaces.
• Try to ensure people are organized into small groups at eating or party venues and keep tables well apart.
• Avoid attending large gatherings and crowded venues.
• Wear a facemask (covering both mouth and nose) when not eating or drinking.
• Sanitize your hands frequently.
• If you are a person in a risk group, don’t go to in-person events.
• If you do leave your house, don’t forget the requisite protection measures: cover your nose and mouth with a facemask, take and use alcohol gel and always make sure you respect social distancing.

Avoiding car accidents:

• Do not consume alcoholic drinks if you are going to drive. Define the designated driver in advance: this is the person who agrees to not drink and be the responsible driver. Otherwise, take a taxi.
• Leave for your event with enough time and respect the speed limits.
• Obey the traffic rules: traffic lights, street traffic directions, speed limits, etc.
• Slow down at intersections and look both ways when crossing.
• Give advance notice of what maneuver you are going to perform using the appropriate turning lights, and the hazard lights if necessary.
• Do not use a cell phone or other communication devices when driving.
• Make sure all vehicle occupants wear seat belts.
• Observe the number of maximum occupants, this is determined by the number of head restraints.
• Locate and fasten any loose items in the trunk.
• If you feel sleepy, do not drive. Get adequate rest.
• Do not drive for long periods on the road and rest for at least 15 minutes every two hours or every 200 km.
• Keep a safe distance between vehicles. If the weather conditions are adverse, increase the safety distance between vehicles.
• If you are riding a motorcycle, wear a helmet, and so should whoever is riding pillion with you.
• If you are a pedestrian, cross the road using the pedestrian walkway, look both ways before crossing and don't do so while talking or using a cell phone.

To avoid fire accidents:

• Do not use fireworks. If you are going to light fireworks, make sure these are legally manufactured, and use them in a responsible manner.
• Keep candles, decorations, lights, and other potentially flammable objects away from curtains.
• Don't overload an electrical switch or outlet with lots of electrical appliances.
• Avoid carrying fireworks in a risky manner (in your pocket, for example).
• Keep matches away from children.