When the Grim Reaper comes knocking at your door, there is no way to escape his grip (unless of course you're Peter from Family Guy). It is a fact of life, that death occurs "just because" and the winter months are especially ripe for the collection of souls.Winter deaths can be unexpected and incredibly shocking. Some of the worst ways to die in winter involve situations that most people would not wish upon their worst enemies.
- Skiing: Many people consider this outdoor sport the creme de la creme of winter activities. But notable figures such as Sonny Bono and Natasha Richardson would certainly beg to differ otherwise, if the fatal head traumas caused by their winter weather activities allowed them to.
- Icicle Factory: 25% of all deaths that occur in the winter happen when people get caught outside unexpectedly in a strong snow storm. Hypothermia occurs when a person losses body temperature more quickly than the gains it and the result is a slow, permanent sleep.
- Overheating: If you are lucky enough to be snuggled into your home during a winter storm, you still risk the possibility of dying from a fire from a space heater. Annually, these little devices are responsible for 300 deaths.
- Car Accidents: Even race car driver Mario Andretti would have a difficult time navigating the byways clogged by inclement winter weather. Black ice, blinding storms and panicked drivers all contribute to treacherous driving conditions and an increase in deaths related to car accidents.
- Shovel This: When the white stuff comes down hard, the end result is an increase in deaths of men aged35 to 49 years old. The combination of their lack of physical health, the cold temperatures and the act of shoveling increases their chances of heart attack.
- Cough, Cough: While some people can easily fight off the flu orpneumonia, many others fall victim and perish due to the bugs. Around the world250,000 and 500,000 die annually from influenza, with a large portion being affected during the colder months.
- Money Problems: Regardless of where you live, when temperatures drop, the heat should kick into gear. However, in the UK, many of those living on a fixed income try to stay within their means and avoid using their heat even on the coldest days. According to the Independent this trend has resulted in a "50% rise in winter deaths" this year alone.
Of course, you can always beat the odds by taking all the proper precautions regarding your health and travel plans. Have a safe and happy holiday from the Go Insurance Rates team!
How are you fending off the reaper this winter?
