This time last year, Americans were sheltering in place and popular travel destinations were ghost towns. Flights were cheap and cruise ships were staying in dock. Travel injuries were way, way down because no one was traveling. Even if you did want to venture out there was nowhere to go because restaurants and attractions were closed.
This year is different. COVID infections are down and vaccination rates are up. People are returning to normal schedules and travel patterns.
It’s refreshing to get out, but only if you stay safe. Coronavirus infection isn’t the only threat out there. Make sure your summer vacation memories don’t include disaster by staying on alert for these most common causes of travel injuries.
Traffic Accidents
Whether you’re just going to the next town over or traveling to another country, you’re navigating in less familiar surroundings. You might be driving a rental you’re not familiar with. You might even rent a moped, bicycle or Segway that’s completely different from your normal mode of transportation.
Different regions might have traffic laws that aren’t what you’re used to. Terrain can be a challenge.
Protect yourself by getting to know your vehicle and your route before you pull into traffic. Wear protective gear if the type of vehicle leaves you more exposed. Use extra caution places accidents happen more frequently like parking lots, intersections, rural roads and anywhere vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
Water Accidents
Summer travel often involves a beach, lake or river. Water looks peaceful, so people forget it’s a force to be reckoned with. People get in a hurry to cool off and jump in without thinking through possible dangers. They rent boats or jet skis and drive recklessly thinking it’s all part of the fun, but often they’re not aware of hidden dangers beneath the surface, swimmers that are difficult to spot when traveling at high speeds or other watercraft in the area. They walk barefoot over hazardous areas.
The CDC recommends staying safe during water activities by doing the following:
- Use caution when swimming and wear protective gear during adventure activities.
- Don’t go barefoot – wear protective footwear.
- Watch for large waves and strong tides.
- Children should be supervised near water.
- Watch out for local weather conditions.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Sometimes travelers are understandably focused on the scenery, so they forget to watch where they’re stepping. Transfer trauma happens when someone moves from a boat, train, bus or subway to another surface and missteps because of an unexpected gap or height difference.
Know your physical limits. If you’re unsteady on asphalt, a challenging hike probably isn’t a great idea.
Another reason slip and fall injuries are prevalent on vacation is that people sometimes overindulge. You’re more likely to take a tumble down steps, off a balcony or down an incline if you’ve been consuming alcohol.
Animal Injuries
Many Americans are opting to travel inside the U.S. this year rather than venture outside the country. Some of them are visiting national parks and camping, maybe for the first time. It’s exhilarating to experience nature, but wildlife isn’t always friendly.
Bears, mountain lions, elk, moose and other animals are territorial, and they can attack if they feel threatened. They’re attracted by food and unusual human activity, but that doesn’t mean they want to become someone’s pet. Don’t try to feed or handle them. Stay at a safe distance. If you try to get close enough to take a selfie with the bison, you might get hurt.
Texas and Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation to talk with a Texas or Louisiana personal injury lawyer today.
