Unfortunately, slips, trips, and falls are all-too-common. Accidental falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits, accounting for nearly 8 million ER visits per year. What’s more, falls are the second most common cause of accidental death, topped only by car crashes.

Many of these accidents are preventable, however — especially among aging Americans, who are some of the most likely people to slip and fall. Here are three things seniors can do to reduce risks of tripping and falling:

Exercise Regularly

“With your doctor’s OK, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi — a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements,” The Mayo Clinic writes. “Such activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.”

Keep Eye Care Appointments

It may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: If you can’t see where you are going, you are more likely to lose your footing and fall. A surprising number of falls can be attributed to poor vision. Remember, there is no such thing as “close enough.” Things may look significantly blurry even with a slightly outdated prescription. An outdated prescription can also cause headaches, disorientation, and dizziness, all of which may contribute to a fall.

Don’t Go It Alone

In many cases, seniors do everything right, and they still fall, owing to hazards in their own homes or in nursing homes. Take a moment to carefully assess seniors’ living environments. Area carpets, throw rugs, and welcome mats can all shift and trip unsuspecting seniors. While it is relatively easy to make changes around personal homes, that may not be the case in a nursing home or community. Report any unsafe conditions ASAP. Talk to injuries lawyers or accident injury lawyers, and consider filing a personal injury claim, if unsafe conditions resulted in the fall of a loved one.

Slips and falls are preventable. Stay on your feet, improve your balance if possible, keep all eye care appointments, and talk to injuries lawyers if unsafe conditions in nursing homes or communities go ignored.