When it comes to planning a vacation, safety is always a top priority. Fortunately, Orlando is a safe destination for travelers, with some precautions. There are some neighborhoods with higher crime rates that tourists should avoid, and visitors should be aware of park ticket scams and misdemeanors. However, the chances of being assaulted or kidnapped in Orlando are very low.
Violent street crime is not common, but it's best to stay away from dangerous areas that even locals rarely visit. Orlando has an impressive infrastructure of public and private entities that work together to protect the health and safety of residents and visitors alike. On the Healthy Travel & Open Information page, you can find reliable and up-to-date information on how to have a healthy visit to Orlando. Local authorities and the Orlando tourism community have a collaborative approach to maintaining a safe and secure environment, based on the experience of receiving millions of visitors each year.
These measures are continually evolving, including a continuous focus on improving prevention, technological advances and information exchange capabilities. Orlando plays an extremely proactive role in educating, preventing and monitoring mosquito-borne diseases. To date, there have been no local mosquito-borne transmissions of Zika virus in Orlando. Extensive and proactive programs of local Orlando businesses include comprehensive land maintenance, landscaping, cutting and continuous removal of standing water.
These efforts have had a positive impact on preventing mosquito reproduction, which experts say is the best way to prevent, isolate and control any transmission. If you plan to drive a motor vehicle during your visit to Orlando, be aware that Florida law requires the use of seat belts by all front-seat passengers. In addition, Florida's Move Over Act requires drivers to move in a lane for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, and utility vehicles, as well as tow trucks and wreckers. Finally, Florida law prohibits the use of emergency lights, or “flashes” while driving a motor vehicle, even during severe weather conditions.
Emergency lights should only be used when the vehicle is completely stopped. Orange County Sheriff's Office deputies respond to dozens of drowning and near-drowning cases every year. If children are in the pool, keep an eye on them always and never assume that someone else is watching them. To learn more about pool safety watch this video. In conclusion, yes Orlando is safe for tourists but as in all major cities it's important to be careful. A longtime Orlando resident noted: “Personally, I have found Orlando to be something of a hodgepodge with good and bad areas in many zip codes.
The best way to see most of Orlando is to purchase the so-called Go Orlando Card which is very useful and can save significant amounts of money as well as help relieve the stress of planning your trip around this city.