From its stunning beaches and mangrove forests to its bustling nightlife and world-class theme parks, Florida is a haven for tourists. More than 137 million people visited Florida last year, with tourists traveling from all over the U.S. and worldwide to enjoy the Sunshine State.

When you’re visiting Florida, it’s easy to let the excitement overwhelm you but be sure to put your safety first. While Florida is generally considered a safe place to visit, accidents can happen anywhere. Here are some safety tips you need to know if you visit Florida according to a personal injury attorney in Tampa.

Stay Alert While Exploring Florida

When you’re marveling at the sights, watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, or enjoying the music at outdoor festivals, you’re likely to be fully absorbed in what you’re doing – and not what’s going on around you.

To reduce the risk of accidents occurring, be sure to stay alert while you’re exploring the state and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. This will prevent you from becoming a target for unscrupulous pickpockets and it will also help to stop slips and falls!

Familiarize Yourself with the Florida Roads

Approximately 391,920 road crashes occurred in Florida last year and 249,296 people sustained injuries as a result of these collisions. If you plan on driving while you’re in the state, familiarize yourself with the roads first and avoid driving distracted by the local scenery if you want to reduce the risk of accidents.

Have an Emergency Plan

It isn’t always possible to avoid accidents but having an emergency plan in place will ensure you can access help quickly if you’re hurt while visiting the state. For example, knowing which hospital is nearest, identifying a personal injury lawyer in Florida, and keeping your insurance company’s information with you will mean you can access medical, legal, and financial assistance if an accident does happen.

Watch the Florida Weather

Florida is a popular tourist location because of its hot temperatures, sandy beaches, and spectacular coastlines but the weather can sometimes pose a safety risk. If you’re visiting the state during hurricane season, be particularly vigilant about checking the weather reports and identify how and where to evacuate to, if you need to.

Beware of the Wildlife in Florida

If you want to experience the ‘Great Outdoors’, Florida’s national parks are the perfect place to do so. With more than 1 million visitors each year, the Everglades National Park is arguably Florida’s best-known national park but there are plenty more situated throughout the state.

No doubt you’ll want to spot rare wildlife while you’re walking or hiking but do be aware of the dangers they present. Most bodies of water in Florida contain alligators, for example, so don’t be tempted to swim in any undesignated areas.

Staying Safe When Visiting the Sunshine State

Fortunately, the vast majority of people have a wonderful time while visiting Florida but, if you’re one of the unlucky few to succumb to an accident, you can be confident that help is at hand. From medical centers and hospitals to personal injury lawyers and attorneys, it’s easy to access help if you’re involved in an unexpected accident while you’re visiting the Sunshine State.