Consumer Confidential: Online deals, safe cars, holiday accidents

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Here’s your fightin’-words Friday roundup of consumer news from around the Web:

--It’s Free Shipping Day! More than 2,500 retailers are participating. And just in time, here are some of the sweeter deals out there to save you even more money. At Coldwater Creek’s website, enter the promo code BEST40 to get 40% off your purchase. At J. Crew’s site, use the code CHEER to get 30% off. At Land’s End, you’ll get 40% off, and you don’t even need a promo code. At the Levi’s site, use the code THIRTY to get 30% off. And for Perry Ellis, enter PESIRE30AF for 30% off. (Time)

--Which cars are safest? Glad you asked. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has crunched the numbers and come up with its winners. Companies with the strongest showing included Subaru, which got top ratings for all five models it sells in the U.S. Toyota got the most top picks, with 15 of its Toyota, Lexus and Scion models. Honda gets a nod for most improved. Of the 18 vehicles new to top safety pick status this year, 10 of them were Honda or Acura models. Among high-mileage green cars, the Toyota Prius V qualifies. So do the plug-in Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt. (MoneyWatch)

--And be safe in the home as well. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 13,000 people were treated in emergency departments nationwide last year due to injuries involving holiday decorations. This is an increase from 10,000 in 2007 and 12,000 in 2008 and 2009. Although estimates of deaths and injuries related to Christmas tree and candle fires are down, there are still an alarming number of incidents. Live trees or other evergreen decorations that have dried out burn fast and hot in a matter of seconds if they come in contact with an open flame. The agency recommends extra caution with flames, make sure your tree is watered, and be careful climbing up and down ladders. (Times News)

-- David Lazarus