Staying Safe on Spring Break
Most of us look forward to spring, not only as the end of a long winter but also for the promise it holds in terms of getting time off work. If you or a loved one is headed off for a trip or to the latest spring break destination, remember that it pays to be cautious. Travel-related accidents and vacation mishaps can result in serious personal injuries that cannot only ruin your trip but may result in lasting damage. Be aware of the common types of accidents that can occur over spring break or on any vacation, and follow our vacation injury prevention tips to keep yourself and your family and friends safe.
Common Types of Vacation Accidents
While vacations are supposed to be about getting away from it all, having fun, and relaxing, it is important not to let down your guard when it comes to your safety. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), personal injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and unfortunately, these injuries do not take a break for vacationers. Statistics from the CDC indicate the most common types of vacation injuries include the following:
- Transportation accidents: While car accident injuries are one of the most common types of accidental injuries suffered by travelers, other transportation injuries include air crashes and turbulence related injuries, bus accidents, and accidents while taking cabs, subways, and trains.
- Pedestrian and cycling accidents: While walking or renting bikes may be a great way to sightsee, unfamiliarity with your surroundings can lead to an increase in injuries.
- Hotel fires: Fires can originate in hotel kitchens, in boiler rooms, as the result of faulty electrical wire, or as the result of guests smoking or cooking in their rooms.
- Drowning accidents: These accidents can occur in oceans and natural bodies of water where unsafe conditions exist, as well as at a hotel or public pools.
- Food poisoning: Food poisoning affects millions of people each year, and is generally the result of unsafe food handling techniques or unsanitary conditions.
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Tips to Avoid Injuries While On Spring Break
When traveling, the CDC suggests the following tips to avoid accidents and injuries:
- When staying in hotels, always stay no higher than the sixth floor, be aware of where fire escapes and exits are located, and make a safety plan on where to meet with family or friends in the event a fire occurs.
- When swimming in the ocean, beware of riptides and currents that could present hazards. At pools and beaches, remember to supervise small children, pick places that have a lifeguard on duty, and never swim alone.
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft to sightsee or island hop. Look for larger air travel companies that are more likely to follow government safety regulations.
- When doing adventure activities such as parasailing or rock climbing, follow all safety instructions and never use alcohol before doing an activity.
In addition to the above,
Prevention Magazine recommends packing a well-stocked first aid kit before you go. Your kit should include your prescription medications, over the counter pain medicine, bandages, antibacterial sprays or ointments, hydrocortisone cream for rashes or poison ivy, and any other medicines you think may be relevant to your trip.
Contact Us for Help
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, contact the Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys can advise you on the best course of action to get the compensation you need to recover. With offices in Charleston and throughout South Carolina, we are prepared to assist you; contact us today for a free review of your case.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
