Think Twice Before You Throw That Holiday Toddy Down Your Gullet
Ah the holidays – a time to be merry and of good cheer; a time for office parties and going out with friends to share a festive toddy or two. You’re out a party, laughing, dancing, having a good time chatting it up with friends when the server comes over to hand you a Cranberry Cosmopolitan. She informs you, “This is from the gentleman at the bar.”
As tempting and flattering as that may be, you’re wise not to accept it. Unless you personally witnessed the bartender pour your drink and then you kept your eye on it from the time it left the bar until it was presented to you, politely decline the offer. If you know yourself well enough that you don’t think you would decline the cocktail simply because you don’t want to hurt the guy’s feelings, then accept it if you must; but do not drink it.
Don’t let your alcohol induced holiday spirit or diminishing bank balance cloud your judgment. Decide to follow this advice before you ever take one sip liquid cheer. While you’re tipsy it may be too easy to convince yourself that it’ll be okay, just this one time.
How many times have you left your drink unattended at the table while you went on the dance floor or to the bathroom? Please think twice before you do that again. Never leave your beverage unattended. Drink it before you leave the table; or simply get a fresh drink once you return.
Why is it important to have custody of the beverages you ingest? Continue reading
Talking While Walking is Not Safe
Many states have laws or are trying to pass legislation that makes it illegal to talk on the phone while driving. Why? Because talking while driving is a huge distraction. Accident statistics will back that up.
Yet consider how many people talk (or text) while walking. Would not the same distractions apply?
Far too many people have a false sense of security when they talk on the phone while walking across campus, parking lots or strolling for exercise. How can you possibly have keen domain awareness if you’re yapping on the phone? You can’t. You may feel safer with someone on the other end of the phone but you’re actually putting yourself in more danger.
There is a win/win solution –
Get your friend or loved one on the phone and provide details as to your whereabouts. But then rather than continue talking, merely keep the line open, phone in hand at your side and walk to your destination. This provides a much safer opportunity for you to be aware of your surroundings and notice any lurking threats. Should you need any assistance, you already have a direct connection to someone who can get emergency personnel to you.
Now that you know the potential dangers, are you willing to try this method of walking and not talking next time you find yourself traveling by foot?
Awareness without action is worthless. – Phil McGraw
Safe Parking Lot Practices
As retail shoppers come out in droves, finding parking spaces becomes more difficult. It’s a familiar scene to see shoppers driving round and round in circles, up one aisle and down another just hoping a parking spot will open up. Below are some practical tips to help you avoid potentially dangerous mistakes.
Light At Night
All too often we try to find the parking place closest to the store. However that is not necessarily the safest place. Most parking lots are (or should be) well lit. If at all possible, park next to the light post. This serves three useful purposes. First, it will give you a reference point when returning to your vehicle. Secondly, it will provide illumination for you to quickly and safely enter your vehicle; and lastly, any would-be attackers do not want to be seen. They are far less likely to target a vehicle under a light. Continue reading
