Last week I heard the higher-ups at the newspaper warning some editors to prepare for the death of a student over break. It may sound a bit morbid, but it really is a concern. From car crashes to skiing accidents, something about the Christmas season seems to bring out the mortality in us.

Not to trivialize it by putting it in words, but losing someone you know and/or love is absolutely no fun at all. It puts quite a damper on the holidays. Speaking from an experience that surely everyone has had, losses of those close to us are often unforgettable. Much the same way the visions of the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers will stay with us, so will the memories of our dearly departed.

I tend to feel lucky, though, that I only have a few tragic stories to share. I know there are people out there who have suffered a great deal more than I have.

Since I have been at Iowa State (a whole year and a half) breaks seem to bring mourning. Last summer five students died as well as one incoming freshman from incidents ranging from hit-and-runs to pool accidents. Last winter another student died in a car crash.

It seems inevitable that we would lose a student from our 25,000-plus student body during a time of travel, less structured lives and a period when some will consume alcohol with reckless abandon.

Holidays are not only a time of giving but also a time of fun and partying. As such it is important to take extreme caution when doing anything. Here are a few recommendations on how you might be able to avoid being a statistic.

When traveling by car beware of slick roads. This is Iowa, and winter generally provides us with less-than-safe roads. The ever-dangerous “black ice” — ice that you can not differentiate from the regular road — is generally present when the cold night sweeps in after a fairly warm day melts the snow. For those not used to Iowa’s nefarious winters, “black ice” is a prime cause of auto accidents in December and January.

As always, be cautious of other drivers. Remember, students are not the only irresponsible motorists on the streets. Drunk drivers and just pure idiots are also sharing the highways with us. Their driving is often more dangerous than our own lead-foot, impulsive driving.

Skiing accidents can also cause great pains to the delicate human body. Take it from Sonny Bono, who learned a devastating lesson on Jan 5, 1998. He was an internationally renowned singer and developing into a major political player when he ran into a tree while skiing the slopes and died from the injuries. His duet with Cher, “I Got You Babe,” took on a whole knew meaning in relationship to shrubs after the casualty.

Another holiday accident revolves around really getting into the Christmas spirit. There are people out there who go all out when decorating their house and lawn. Many will staple lights all along their house and even their roof to out-do their neighbor’s holiday cheer.

Putting these lights up can be dangerous, but so can taking them down.

Back to the theory of “black ice,” there may well be some present on the roof, possibly buried under inches of snow. Falling off a ladder is dangerous, but being a klutz on the roof can be fatal. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 12,500 injuries, including fatal injuries, occur during the holiday season, due in large part to falls, electrocution and cuts.

If these simple warnings aren’t enough, one can always go out and buy the new “Worst-Case Scenario Holiday Survival Guide.” This book gives readers insight on how to fend off a charging reindeer and how to get someone out of a chimney should they get stuck. Whatever it takes, make sure friends and family are able to celebrate the holidays without lament. Enjoy the nice break, and we will hopefully see ALL of you Jan. 13.

Ayrel Clark

is a junior in journalism

and mass communication from Johnston. She is the Daily’s opinion editor.