Safety Tips when Visiting Boston, MA – From a Personal Injury Lawyer

From beautiful parks to fresh seafood and gorgeous architecture, there are many reasons to spend time in Boston. You can explore fascinating museums and immerse yourself in the unique culture.

While the city might not be as notorious as New York or Los Angeles when it comes to crime, travelers should still take note of common risks such as pickpockets, scam artists, and car thieves. As with any large city, it’s wise to be wary of your surroundings, especially after dark.

Luckily, crime rates in Boston are decreasing. For instance, the rates for both robbery and assault have declined consistently over the past few years.

On the other hand, Boston remains safer than only 19% of US cities, and in 2018, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recorded 343 fatal crashes on Massachusetts roads.

At the end of the day, accidents can happen anywhere, and it pays to know how you can avoid them. Here are some tips from a personal injury lawyer on staying safe during your visit to Boston.

Getting Around

Let’s begin with a few basic guidelines for traveling the city.

• Avoid getting into unmarked taxis
• Ask police officers for directions or help
• Be on guard in subways and trolleys
• Stay close to crowds and walk on busy streets
• Take cabs or park in well-lit areas at night

If you choose to rent a vehicle or take your own, you’ll quickly find that Boston can be challenging to drive and park in.

The streets are notorious for having many one-way roads, and things only get worsen from the snow and ice of winter. Unless you’re visiting for work, consider relying on the excellent public transport system to navigate the city.

Crime

With all its museums, monuments, and tourist attractions, it’s best to keep your camera or smartphone concealed when walking around Boston. Reserve activities such as heading to parks for daytime and aim to stay in populated areas.

As long as you’re mindful of where you are and who you’re with, you shouldn’t run into any problems.

If you’re ever unsure about visiting an unfamiliar location, don’t hesitate to ask the locals or consult online resources like social media and travel guides for information.

Weather

Boston can become a slip and fall hazard during winter when snowfall is known to occur throughout the season.

This is when some walkways become quite slick, especially near water where the ground around many historical sites is still laid with original (and very slippery) cobblestone. Be sure to pack a pair of shoes with rubber soles for better traction.

General Advice

The following are a few bonus tips to keep in mind wherever you are:

• Only deal with reputable businesses
• Verify the identity of rideshare drivers before getting in
• Stay alert and trust your instincts
• Report anything suspicious to the authorities immediately

Finally, the locals love their sports. So, if you ever get into a heated debate at the bar, remember that the folks in Boston know their teams best.

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