Each new year sparks a renewed interest in health, fitness and finances. Personal safety rarely makes the list of resolutions — but a St. Louis personal injury lawyer would advise you to reconsider. Roman & Boock has compiled five categories of personal safety tips to keep you protected throughout 2026. 

1. Drive Responsibly 

Roughly 50,000 Missourians suffer injuries every year in car accidents. The vast majority of these accidents result from preventable driver errors, such as distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence (DUI). 

With this in mind, it never hurts to take personal safety precautions when you get behind the wheel. Our car accident attorneys recommend that you: 

• Put your phone away. Silence your phone and place it in an inaccessible location, such as a glovebox, until you get to your destination.
• Follow the three-second rule. Pick a fixed object and count three seconds after the vehicle in front of you passes. To maintain a safe distance, you should pass the same object later. 
• Always look ahead. Focus your vision far down the road, not just on the car directly in front of you. This allows you to see sudden braking, merging traffic, pedestrians and debris in the road.
• Check your mirrors. Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to remain aware of the motorists around you. 
• Plan for errors. Always assume that other drivers do not see you and could make mistakes, so you can respond accordingly.
  

2. Prioritize Home Safety 

Accidents can happen at home. In fact, consumer products caused over 15 million injuries in 2024 alone. Appliances, cleaning supplies and furniture often injure people at home, even though these items seem innocuous. 

Children and elderly people face the greatest risk of injury, but anyone risks harm without proper home safety measures in place. A St. Louis personal injury lawyer would recommend the following personal safety tips:

• Inspect your appliances. Keep an eye out for defects that could become dangerous, such as a toaster that tips over easily or an exposed wire. Repairing or reporting these issues could save you from an expensive medical bill. 
• Test smoke detectors. Smoke detectors may fail because of dead batteries, dust buildup or age. Test your smoke detectors monthly to ensure they work properly during a fire.
• Check for product recalls. Stay informed of recalls by checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. The index regularly updates with dangerous cosmetics, appliances and more. 
• Secure hazards. Take personal safety precautions at home by securing furniture, toxic substances and fire hazards.
  

3. Watch Out at Work.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported over 2.5 million workplace injuries in 2023 alone. Slips, trips, falls and equipment accidents commonly cause these workers’ compensation claims. 

By implementing key personal safety tips at work, you can dramatically reduce your risk of injury. A St. Louis personal injury lawyer would recommend that you: 

• Follow procedures. Stick to safety guidelines, employer instructions and proper work methods. 
• Use PPE. In high-risk environments, wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, hard hats and boots.
• Stay alert. Avoid distractions while working, watch for hazards and take breaks if you feel unsafe. 
• Communicate concerns. Report damaged equipment or potentially unsafe circumstances to your supervisors. 
• Document everything. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed, document hazards and all related communications.
  

4. Be an Involved Patient

Unfortunately, medical malpractice is relatively common, ranging from missed diagnoses and medication errors to surgical mistakes and wrongful death. Though you can’t always anticipate these errors, protecting your health requires that you stay an informed patient. 

A St. Louis personal injury lawyer would recommend the following personal safety tips: 

• Research providers. If possible, research hospitals before scheduling a procedure. The Leapfrog Group and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) release hospital safety and performance grades to the public annually. 
• Advocate for yourself. Speak up to receive more effective treatments and avoid complications. If needed, bring a friend or family member for added support. 
• Ask for another opinion. When in doubt, it never hurts to get a second opinion. A second doctor may validate your diagnoses or uncover a different medical issue at play.
• Document everything. If you suspect malpractice, take personal safety precautions, such as maintaining records of treatment history and clinical rationale.
  

5. Understand Your Rights

Even with precautions, the unexpected can still happen. Whether a slip at work, a car accident or a defective product at home, understanding your legal options can make a significant difference in your recovery. 

Understanding your legal rights in the event of an injury is crucial to protecting yourself and your family. In the event of an injury, a St. Louis personal injury lawyer would recommend that you: 

• Research local laws. Personal injury law varies by state — it’s best to research the laws within your home state. For example, Illinois car accident victims have two years to file a claim, while Missouri accident victims have five years. 
• Consult an attorney. Speak to an expert about your accident. A personal injury attorney will outline legal options moving forward, including compensation. 

Contact a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer

The attorneys at Roman & Boock hope these personal safety tips help you have a happy and healthy year. However, if an accident unexpectedly occurs, we’re always here to help you find justice. 

To start a personal injury case in 2026, contact Roman & Boock online or at 314.754.1500.