Accidental Tourist?
I am certified to give advice on Travel Health. Yes, I know you can Google a lot of self-help travel advice, but professional advice is always worth the time and money.
Most people come to me thinking that protecting themselves from tropical diseases is the most important thing to discuss. And, I do spend time researching and preparing travellers in this way. But the fact is that more travellers are fatally harmed by accidents that are largely preventable, then by insect bites or eating “bad” food.
A recent review of the literature found that road traffic accidents, drownings, and homicides are important risks to keep in mind as you prepare to travel. Many factors determine the largeness of fatality risk, including time period of travel, geography or location of travel (remoteness), and interpretation of the results in the researched areas.
When you make an appointment with a Travel Expert (like me), you will receive timely information on all the risks at your destination. As politics, economics, and weather patterns change, so do your personal risks.
Although more research is needed to understand ongoing risks and the effect of possible interventions, there is evidence that risk perception can impact behavior and thus have a potential effect on reducing injury risk and death.
Here are some things to ALWAYS keep in mind, regardless of the country you are in:
Always use belts and child safety seats; rent vehicles with seat belts; when possible, ride in the taxis with seat belts and sit in the back seat.
Always wear helmets when driving or riding motorcycles, motorbikes, or bicycles.
Ride only in marked taxis; hire drivers familiar with the area.
If you drive in a foreign country, know the informal rules of the road. Avoid driving after consuming alcohol or when tired or stressed; avoid driving on unlit roads and pay particular attention when driving on the opposite side of the road to the country of residence.
Avoid alcohol and drug use when engaging in high-risk activities.
Check travel advisories issued by the government and country‐specific risks of violence or unrest. Be cautious when going out at night in uncertain situations.
Do NOT assume that hotel, home, or any pool encountered while traveling has been created with adequate depth to prevent injury from a head-first entry. A feet‐first entry should be the first entry into any body of water.
Know the depth of the water and the location of underwater hazards before jumping or diving.
Wear proper personal flotation devices when engaging in water sports while traveling.
Be aware of dangerous rip currents and strong tides.
Be vigilant, always think “Safety First”!
Reference:
Risk of deaths due to injuries in travelers: a systematic review by Wyler BA et al published in the Journal of Travel Medicine, Volume 29, Issue 5, 2022.