Preventing Accidents & Injuries On Summer Vacation
Going on vacation lets you take a much needed break from work and daily responsibilities, while relaxing, enjoying time with family or friends, and taking in new sights and experiences. Your trip has likely been months in the planning, working out details on how you will get there, where you will stay, and the types of activities you want to do there. Amidst all the packing and planning, the thought of suffering a personal injury while on vacation may not even cross your mind, but the fact is that accidents can and do happen when you are away from home, and it is always a smart idea to be prepared.
Common Types of Vacation Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that accidental injuries send more than 25 million people to hospital emergency rooms each year. These injuries can occur at home, work, and school or in any public place. Just because you are on vacation does not mean you are immune.
In fact, dealing with large crowds and navigating unfamiliar surroundings can make accidents more likely to occur, while negligence on the part of hotels, resorts, and attractions may only increase your risks. Common types of accidents that can occur on vacation include:
Transportation accidents. These include cars, bikes, mopeds, golf cart, or on public buses or shuttle services.
Slips and falls. One of the most common types of personal injuries, these can occur due to wet or slick floors, uneven walkways, worn or damaged carpeting and flooring materials, or a lack of proper lighting or handrails.
Food poisoning. This can occur due to unsafe food handling practices, such as lack of handwashing among employees or improper food preparation or storage techniques, at hotel buffets, in restaurants, and fast food vendors.
Drowning. Accidental drowning can occur at pools or in any body of water, and even non-fatal drowning events are a serious matter that can result in permanent disabilities.
Other types of potential vacation injuries include being struck by or against objects, hotel fires, and amusement ride malfunctions.
Safety Tips For Your Summer Vacation
When traveling on vacation, food poisoning is a major risk. Prevention advises using bottled water, avoiding buffets, and eating at reputable establishments to avoid getting a nasty bug that could ruin your trip. Other vacation safety tips to protect yourself include:
Make note of all emergency exits at hotels and resorts
Never swim alone, and make sure a lifeguard is on duty
Stick to designated paths and walkways that are well lit
Ask the hotel concierge before booking transportation, activities, or venturing into unknown surroundings
Injured On Vacation? A South Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
Vacation injuries can leave you facing serious health issues and medical expenses long after your trip is over. Negligent hotel or restaurant owners, transportation providers, attraction operators and others can be accountable for the damages you have suffered. The Surasky Law Firm, LLC is here to help. Contact our experienced South Carolina injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
