5 Most Common Dumb Ways Illinois People Get Hurt in Autumn

Autumn in Illinois brings stunning fall colors, pumpkin patches, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of clumsy accidents. Before you dive headfirst into leaf piles or carve the next masterpiece jack-o'-lantern, here's a list of the five most common dumb injuries you might want to avoid this season.

1. The Classic "Stepping on a Rake"

Yes, this still happens. Somehow, Illinoisans have yet to grasp the idea that rakes left lying around are essentially face-slapping booby traps. Bonus points if the rake was cleverly camouflaged in a pile of leaves, the Leaf Pile Jump Fail.

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2. Falling Down the Bleachers at a High School Football Game

We get it, Friday Night Lights can get intense. But maybe look where you're walking instead of staring at your phone during halftime. The trip from row six to row one isn’t as fun as it sounds.

3. Pumpkin-Carving Gone Wrong

Every fall, someone thinks they're the next Michelangelo of pumpkins. Armed with a kitchen knife, their overconfidence leads to a hand wrapped in gauze and a creative excuse for why their jack-o'-lantern is now a "modern art piece."

MORE: 28 Things People of Illinois Look Forward To Most In the Fall

4. Bonfire Burns

Ah, the cozy warmth of a fall bonfire—until you try to poke the fire with your bare hand or roast marshmallows like you've never seen fire before. Next thing you know, you're doing the "Ow, ow, ow!" dance while everyone pretends not to laugh.

MORE: 5 Great Ways to Hijack Feel-Good Fall Hormones in Illinois

5. Corn Maze Injuries

In Illinois, fall means corn mazes and corn mazes mean tripping, slipping, or face-planting. Add some mud, and you’ve got yourself a perfect recipe for a twisted ankle in the middle of nowhere.

Stay safe out there, Illinois.

MORE: 5 of The Biggest & Best Corn Mazes in Illinois