Dr. McGuff is an ER doc. He’s seen lots of accident case and created a list of things to avoid based on his years of observations in the ER. I’ve excerpted it here for you and as reminder to myself.
1. Drive the biggest vehicle you can afford. Your greatest risk of death comes from a motor vehicle accident. In a two car accident, the person in the larger car always fares better. Also, if your plans include a motorcycle or sports car, realize that you might avoid old age all together. It goes without saying to wear your seat belts.
2. Never get on a 4-wheeler ATV. These are the most dangerous vehicle that I know of. ATV’s have produced more quadraplegics than anything else I’ve seen.
3. Do not road cycle or jog on public roads/roadsides.
4. Do not fly a plane or helicopter unless you’re a full-time professional pilot. If you are a well-to-do professional do not get a pilot’s license. Expertise in one area of life does not transfer to piloting.
5. If you are approaching a group of loud and apparently intoxicated males, cross to the other side of the street immediately. If anyone tries to start a fight with you, the first step should be to run away.
6. If your gas grill won’t start….walk away. Never throw gas (or other accelerant) on a fire.
7. Never dive into a pool or body of water until you’ve checked it out feet-first. 8. Never get on a ladder to clean your gutters, or on your roof to hang Christmas lights. Do not cut down trees with a chainsaw. I’ve seen too many middle age men die from these activities. Generally, any house or lawn work that’s hired out is money well spent.
9. If you are retirement age and plan on moving to a new home…think twice. The stress pushes many seniors over the edge. If you do, buy an existing house. Many retirees have died of heart attacks from the stress of custom-building their retirement dream home.
10. If anyone tries to force you into your car or car trunk at gun point, don’t cooperate. Fight and scream all you can even if you risk getting shot. If you get in the car, you will most likely die (or worse).
11. If you are in any personal or professional relationship that exhausts you or otherwise causes your recurrent distress, then end the relationship immediately.
12. Don’t play the lottery…you might win. Lottery winners and Sports/Movie stars share a common bond of disproportionate rates of depression, addiction, and suicide.