If you’re back to traveling this summer, the last thing you want is to have your vacation ruined by an injury. However, national statistics show that vacationers are particularly prone to accidents. Here are some of the most common holiday mishaps and steps you can take to minimize the risk.

• Motor vehicle accidents — Driving on vacation can be particularly dangerous. The roads may be unfamiliar, so drivers are more reliant on GPS devices and less mindful of traffic restrictions. Excited kids in the car can be a big distraction. And there is a higher likelihood that people on vacation have had a drink or two before getting behind the wheel. To help avoid auto accident injuries on vacation, study your routes ahead of time, never drink and drive and always wear your seatbelt.
• Sporting accidents — Vacations are a great time to try fun things like snorkeling, zip lining, rock climbing, water skiing or any number of sporting activities. Unfortunately, people often suffer injuries while participating. One thing you can do to minimize your risk is to check the credentials of the vendors who run the activities. Talk to them about their experience and how they train their employees. Check out their safety equipment and if it looks questionable, skip the activity.
• Slips and falls — Every year, hundreds of people sustain serious injuries by slipping and falling on vacation. An accident could result from something as simple as a wet floor at a restaurant, uneven tile or carpet in the hotel or an obstruction inside a store or shop. Victims can suffer broken bones, torn ligaments and even head injuries. Do your best to watch where you’re going at all times and don’t hurry more than you really have to. If you’ve been drinking, you need to be even more careful.
• Sunburn and/or heat stroke — Whether you’re vacationing at a local beach or traveling south or west to a more traditional sunny spot, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. It doesn’t take long for unprotected skin to get sun burned. And if you’re doing more than lying on a beach, be sure you don’t overdo the activity, because heat stroke is a real threat. If you develop headaches, dizziness, elevated pulse or any other discomfort, stop what you’re doing, get to a cool place, and if necessary, seek medical attention.

If you are a Connecticut resident and you get hurt on vacation, or if you are visiting the Nutmeg State and suffer an injury here, reach out to the attorneys of Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. We have decades of personal injury experience and can help you understand how to get compensation. Call 203-745-0942 or contact us online to speak with an attorney at our Hamden or East Haven office.