I usually add a little commentary about safety here and there in my posts, but was considering dedicating an entire post to trail safety when I came across a post from one of my online friends (The Running Fat Guy). He is a trail runner, and the post leans in that direction, but all of his points apply directly to hikers, as well.
The Dangers of Trail Racing – Part 3
Parts one and two, while great reads, don't truly encapsulate what I'd like to say as well as part three does.