We are in the midst of the summer vacation season, and even I’ve been able to spend a little time at the beach myself this year! Over 14 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year, and having an office in the Grand Strand has helped me to appreciate the fact that, often times, the human tendency is to let one’s guard down while on vacation as far as personal safety is concerned. For one thing, people attempt to engage in activities that they wouldn’t dream of doing at home, particularly amusement activities like surfing, jet skiing, or parasailing. Moreover, driving in heavy traffic in an unfamiliar area can lead to an increase in motor vehicle accidents.

My Myrtle Beach practice has helped to assist innumerable fine individuals whose vacations, and sometimes lives, have been ruined by an injury at the hands of a negligent driver, ride operator, or hotel staff. And, although these individuals have been hurt by no fault of their own, most of them share the sentiment that they just did not think anything bad would happen while on vacation. Unfortunately, while a holiday does provide an escape from the day-to-day, it is not a shield from human error or vulnerability.

So here’s the takeaway from this week’s KellyGram: when you go on vacation, have a great time, but be just as alert and aware of your surroundings and personal safety as you would be at home, if not more so!