Did you know that more than 200 million Americans take summer trips? Some keep it local, checking out parks, campgrounds, and other sites in their home state. Others go ocean-to-ocean, seeing wonders spread across the United States. Taking a vacation can help folks unwind, but if you’re going to travel, it’s smart to keep safety in mind. That’s why we will quickly examine some must-know summer traveling safety tips.
Have an Emergency Fund
Emergencies happen. You might be on a road trip when suddenly your car breaks down. Perhaps you suffered a flat tire, or a more serious problem emerged. Whatever the case, having access to emergency funds will make things a lot easier.
Financial management experts recommend setting up an emergency fund of liquid cash that you can quickly tap into. This fund should be enough to cover a major expense, such as paying for an expensive vehicle repair or paying for airplane tickets for you and your family to get home.
The exact dollar amount for an emergency fund can vary. Ideally, you’ll have enough stored away to pay for living costs for three months. If that’s not currently obtainable, setting aside say $2,000 or $3,000 in a savings account is wise.
Pedestrians Be Wary
Whenever you’re in a new environment, there’s a risk that you’ll get distracted. You might be taking in the sights or spotting some wildlife. You should always be aware of your surroundings, but you need to be especially vigilant when you’re on foot, or walking around. If you’re checking out a hotspot, like Humiston Beach Park in Vero Beach, Florida’s hopping shopping district, it’s easy to get distracted.
Sadly, over 7,000 pedestrians were killed in 2021 in a motor vehicle accident. Many more were injured. Sometimes, the injuries are nothing more than bumps and bruises. Other times, people suffer life-changing injuries.
It’s also crucial to keep an eye on kids. A child may dart in front of a car, bicycle, or whatever else and get injured. Children can be rambunctious, and if they’re busy playing, they may not pay much attention to the world around them. Young children especially don’t realize the many dangers they’re exposed to.
If you or a loved one does end up in a pedestrian accident, after seeking the appropriate medical care, it’s smart to talk with a lawyer. You can often find personal injury lawyers in the locations you’re visiting. For example, if your accident occurred at Humiston Beach Park, you could hire a pedestrian accident lawyer in Vero Beach.
Respect the Local Wildlife
Each year, vacationers end up hurt, and occasionally killed, by encounters with wildlife. Someone on vacation in Florida might run into an alligator, or if you’re visiting Yosemite National Park, you might end up struck by a bison.
It’s crucial to remember that wildlife is truly wild. The animals are not domesticated. A predator might see you or a loved one as a potential food source. Even herbivores, like deer, can be dangerous. They may attack you in self-defense. While you might not have ill intentions, the deer may not realize this.