When you’re on vacation or spending time traveling around the world, the last thing you want to experience is some type of injury. Especially if you’re in an area you’re unfamiliar with or traveling by yourself, getting hurt on your travels can present problems that you’re likely not prepared to deal with. So to keep from getting in this type of situation, it’s good to know what you can do to avoid getting into a predicament that could result in you becoming injured. To help with this, here are three tips for avoiding injury while traveling.

Be Careful With Transportation

According to Steve Mitchell, a contributor to Consumer Reports, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause for death or injury to people traveling anywhere in the world. Because of this, it’s crucial that you take the necessary precautions to stay safe when in transit. To do this, you should only ride in a vehicle that’s safe and has a driver that’s following the rules of the road. Avoid being on the road at night in developing countries, as lighting can often be questionable. And whenever you’re in a vehicle that has a seat belt available, make sure you’re using it the entire time you’re in the car.

Go Easy On Potentially Harmful Substances

When traveling, most people use this experience as an opportunity to let go a little from their normal inhibitions and indulge in things they otherwise wouldn’t. If this is the type of thing you like to do on your travels or vacations, it’s wise to do so in moderation and in the right environments. According to Australia’s International Travel Vaccine Centre, if you’re going to be drinking or taking drugs of any kind, make sure you’re not doing things that could put yourself or others in danger, like driving or going to dangerous places.

Take Caution Around Water

Another major cause of injury or even death for many travelers is being unsafe around water. Even if you’re normally a good swimmer, swimming in water that you’re unfamiliar with can put you at greater risk for getting stranded or drowning. Because of this, BreakingTravelNews.com recommends that you only swim during the day, swim only when there’s a lifeguard present, and educate yourself about weather patterns and currents in the area you’ll be swimming. If you’re going to a place with a lot of bodies of water, you should speak to some of the locals to see if they have a favorite or safer place that they like to enjoy the water.

To ensure you’re able to have a great time on your travels and make it home safely, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you avoid getting injured while you venture around the globe.