The next time somebody wishes you “a safe journey,” before your trip, do take their kind words seriously. Having a vacation can put travelers at risk for a wide selection of accidents, which may turn the tables of your supposed trip of a lifetime into a visit to the emergency room.
To ensure that your journeys provide lifelong memories, here are a few frequent travel-related accidents and guidelines for avoiding them
Falls are a threat at home and off
While on travel, you're more inclined to walk on uneven terrain like cobblestone streets or dirt trails, and also, you are going to be carrying heavy luggage or a backpack that can throw off your balance. You might pay many miles in a single day, which poses increased opportunities for a fall and also weakens your thighs due to dehydration and fatigue. Besides, it's easy to become distracted while enjoying views on your sightseeing adventure, which may lead you not to see where you're stepping.
Purchase a sturdy pair of hiking boots or athletic shoes or soul cycle shoes and divide them before your excursion. Of course, if balance is a problem, do not let your ego get in the way of purchasing a standard walking stick!
When you pack for the trip, decide to try to accomplish this in a means which offers a balanced and light load. As you depart from your hotel for each evening of sightseeing, only take everything you will need for daily.
Traffic accidents could occur anytime and anywhere
Most tourists face a high risk of traffic and pedestrian accidents, especially when visiting foreign countries. Roads in certain developing states can be cluttered with more hazards than U.S. drivers could be accustomed to, such as reckless sand, gravel, potholes, and sharp drop-offs.
Additionally, traffic laws abroad often disagree, leaving you vulnerable to an accident only because you're unfamiliar with the principles of the road. Yet another aspect to consider is that tour buses, rental cars and taxi cabs in certain countries may not have precisely the same safety conditions and features U.S. travelers could be accustomed to. In any case you got into an accident while on vacation, make sure you have a personal injury lawyer who can help you just like lawyers from Brais Law Firm who are dedicated professionals in the areas of personal injury.
In case you plan on driving in a foreign country, do your assignments and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and driving customs until your trip.
It's important to pay attention to online reviews and research for local rental car companies. It's necessary to rent an automobile that is in an excellent working state, even though this means paying slightly more.
Avoid overcrowded or top-heavy bicycles and always use a helmet if riding a scooter, motorbike or scooter, even though not one of the natives wear helmets. Drive defensively, especially at night, as you'll be new with the area. If you use bicycles, we recommend using bicycle touring shoes.
Adventurous activities are fun but need even more caution
When on holiday, busy travelers frequently have pleasure in potentially dangerous outside pursuits such as water rafting, scuba diving, or bungee jumping. In some locations across the globe (including at resorts), safety regulations can be deciphered, and critical security advice might be lost in translation, equipment may be obsolete and unsturdy. A traveler's unbridled enthusiasm for experience could lead to a false sense of confidence.
Helpful accident prevention tips:
- In case you plan on exploring your crazy side when on vacation, do your research and check out some relevant online reviews. Learn about the adventures of other folks who've enjoyed the same activities with precisely the very same organizations.
- Before leaving home, speak to a specialist. Seek specific guidance about any warning flags you should look out for and things that you can do to stay safe in your particular adventure.
- The most significant wildlife threats to travelers tend to be snakes, insects, jellyfish, and stingrays. Vacationers are sometimes exposed to unfamiliar and new animals hiding in crazy terrains, which can be the perfect recipe for a dangerous encounter.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife. No photo opportunity may be well worth a significant injury, and a bison selfie is always a bad idea.
- You could have heard it before, but it's worth reminding you again: Do not feed the wildlife. Offering up a tiny sample of food may make an animal aggressive if it wants more.
- A vast number of stray cats, dogs, and other domestic animals roam the streets in many countries. Resist the impulse to get too close because you never know if those creatures carry viruses like rabies or any other health threats.
Before your departure, research the wildlife and know the dangers you may encounter.
Swimming is great, but not when you are all alone
Swimming is often a must-do activity when you are on vacation and should be one of the safest and most relaxing activities. But, there may be threats lurking at the water for both travelers and tourists. Drowning is a must considered factor when you are on water, just like the popular beach destination Hawaii for example, the drowning rate for tourists is 13 times its local average. Thus, it is very important that you listen to the locals advice when taking a dip and have a professional swimmer with you if you are not good at swimming.
Travelers love to swim in fresh surroundings such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and other natural pools of water that could feature dangerous pollutants, rocks, or coral or cold temperatures. Some private pools in hotels and hotels may not need lifeguards.
While enjoying a margarita on the shore is the standard protocol while on vacation, imbibing too many drinks can hamper your ability to swim.
Helpful accident prevention tips:
- If you are a weak swimmer in more sturdy waters, wear a life jacket.
- Do not take part in any water sports activities under the effect of alcohol.
- Don't swim at night or in poorly lit pools of water.
Thankfully, getting in an incident or accident when traveling is the exception instead of the rule. But even accidents are infrequent, they don't occur. It's easy to lose sight of danger when vacationing, and a few tourists wind up accepting risks they mightn't otherwise take at home.
The tips above are how you can significantly enhance your odds of returning home with only souvenirs and photographs, instead of crutches and a healthcare bill.
About the Author
Keith S. Brais is one of a very specialized group of lawyers in the State of Florida that is Board Certified in Maritime and Admiralty Law by the Florida Bar. Additionally, Keith S. Brais holds an “AV” rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest rating attainable.
