Accidents and Hazards
Accidents and injuries account for a significant number of health problems for travellers abroad. Most deaths in travellers relate to what they do rather than what they catch. Up to a third of all reported medical cases are due to avoidable accidents.[1] Travellers can take out health insurance to cover accidents as well as illness and should check that emergency repatriation expenses are covered.
Accidents commonly occur on the roads, when swimming and during sporting activities such as skiing, climbing, rafting, cycling, etc. Some tourists may, as more active forms of tourism become popular, expose themselves to risks (surfing, water-skiing, winter sports, hang-gliding, etc.) which make them particularly vulnerable should a disaster occur.[2]
ROAD SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS
In many countries, road accidents are responsible for more deaths amongst tourists than any other hazard. When crossing the road remember the traffic may come from the opposite direction to the one in your home country. Likewise, drivers in many countries do not observe pedestrian crossings or traffic signals in the same way. Exercise additional caution when crossing roads while in unfamiliar surroundings.
TRANSPORT[3]
Though they receive significantly more publicity than those on the roads, accidents in the air and on ships are rare. That said, some airlines are safer than others (published data available) and ferries in some countries can be overcrowded and carry inadequate safety equipment.
According to Airsafe.com, the following are their Top 10 Airline Safety Tips:[4]
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Fly on Nonstop Routings
Most accidents occur during the takeoff, climb, descent, and landing phase of flight so flying non-stop would reduce exposure to these most accident prone phases of flight.
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Choose Larger Aircraft
Currently, aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats were all designed and certified under the strictest regulations. Also, in the unlikely event of a serious accident, larger aircraft provide a better opportunity for passenger survival.
Passenger fatalities by aircraft model
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Pay Attention to the Preflight Briefing
Although the information seems repetitious, the locations of the closest emergency exits may be different depending on the aircraft that you fly on and seat you are in.
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Keep the Overhead Storage Bin Free of Heavy Articles
Overhead storage bins may not be able to hold very heavy objects during turbulence, so if you or another passenger have trouble lifting an article into the bin, have it stored elsewhere.
Top 10 Baggage Tips
Risks from Overhead Baggage
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Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened While You are Seated
Keeping the belt on when you are seated provides that extra protection you might need if the plane hits unexpected turbulence.
Turbulence Risks
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Listen to the Flight Attendants
The primary reason flight attendants are on an aircraft is for safety, so if one of them asks you to do something like fasten your seat belts, do it first and ask questions later.
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Don't Bring Any Hazardous Material
There are rather long lists of hazardous materials that are not allowed, but common sense should tell you that you shouldn't bring gasoline, corrosives, poisonous gases, and other such items on the aircraft unless they were allowed by the airline and shipped in a proper container.
Details on dangerous baggage
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Let the Flight Attendant Pour Your Hot Drinks
Flight attendants are trained to handle hot drinks like coffee or tea in a crowded aisle on a moving aircraft, so allow them to pour the drink and hand it too you.
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Don't Drink Too Much
The atmosphere in an airliner cabin is pressurized to about the same altitude as Denver, so any alcohol you consume will affect you more strongly than at sea level. Moderation is a good policy at any altitude.
Air Rage
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Keep Your Wits About You
In the unlikely event that you are involved in an emergency situation such as a precautionary emergency evacuation, follow the directions of the flight attendants and flight crew and exit the aircraft as quickly as possible.
TRAINS, BUSES & CARS[5]
Trains and buses can also be overcrowded and travellers should adhere to safe practices and avoid travelling on the roofs of trains and busses and jumping on and off while they are moving, even if you may see the local population in some destinations doing so.
When renting a car, check over any vehicle very carefully for mechanical defects especially brakes and tires. Different safety and maintenance standards can be found in different countries. Always try to rent from a reputable car rental company when possible.
Be very careful on potholed and non-tarmacadamed 'dust' roads which can become badly eroded from continual exposure to the elements.
Scooters and motorcycles are frequently unstable on poorly maintained roads and those riding have very little protection in the event of an accident. Always wear a safety helmet.
WATER HAZARDS[6]
Beware of fast moving tides and currents, especially the undertow from waves in deep water where even strong swimmers may find it difficult to get back to the shore.
Avoid swimming alone or after drinking alcohol. Swim in approved places when there is a beach patrol or lifeguard service. Always wear proper life jackets when taking part in certain types of watersports like sailing, windsurfing, canoeing etc. Sunburns are also common when swimming and may be unexpected since the swimmer is kept cool by the water.
Be aware of local dangers in the water. Water is the home of some very dangerous creatures like crocodiles, hippos and sharks. Sea creatures like urchins, jellyfish, mollusks or fish may be unexpectedly venomous.
Do not swim immediately after a big meal when cramp is more likely to occur. Low water temperature can induce hypothermia. This can be rapidly fatal - within minutes. Both the sea and inland deep water lakes may be very cold even during hot summer months.
Visibly dirty recreational water in pools, lakes and rivers especially in the tropics should be avoided. There is always a danger of contracting water borne diseases like shistosomiasis or leptospirosis in these areas.
Foot injuries on beaches are common in those not wearing shoes.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES[7]
Pursuits such as scuba diving, mountain climbing, white water rafting and hang gliding can be dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings. Additional insurance may be required or recommended for these and similar activities.
Get physically fit in advance of your trip. Do not be over ambitious - make sure you are fully trained for the degree of skill required.
Avoid excessive fatigue. Accidents often occur before lunch and in the evening. Keep up your carbohydrate and fluid intake.
If you are travelling in mountainous areas become familiar with the terrain and the hazards involved, including avalanche potential. Use guide books and local maps when available. Observe adverse weather warnings.
Do not 'economise' on protective clothing, boots and safety equipment.
Consider helmets for younger skiers and snowboarders.
FIRE[8]
Fire is a significant cause of death and injury abroad. When staying in a hotel, you should always check to see where the emergency exits (if any) are located. Verify the condition of gas and electrical appliances as well as the safety of balconies and staircases. Remember, smoke inhalation can also be fatal and the best way to avoid it is to crawl low under the smoke.