An early summer call for safety in Conn.

It would be nice to enter into summer with dreams of bare feet on grass and worry-free walks in the woods. That is not the state we live in, unfortunately. Connecticut, instead, is a vector of tickborne illnesses, so much so that one of the best known, Lyme disease, is named for a town in our state. Ticks are tiny but can spread dangerous illnesses, including some we’re just learning about.

Mosquitoes, too, can be dangerous, and have their own potential for spreading serious, potentially deadly diseases. In their case, at least, they’re often visible annoyances, and can sometimes be avoided.

Ticks, however, can be unobtrusive. You might not feel a tick bite. They can be tiny to the point of being overlooked, and can lie in wait almost anywhere outside. They frequently come indoors via pets, and make any trip outdoors fraught with potential hazard.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs to spend their summer cooped up inside. But it does make clear the need to take precautions.

Last month, a woman in New London County became the first person this year to die from a tickborne illness known as Powassan virus. It’s not a common affliction, and most people who get it may not develop symptoms. But there is always the potential for a serious case, as recent events have shown.

And that’s just one of many diseases that can spread via tick bite. There are no vaccines, so prevention remains the best course. That can be harder when children are involved, as the urge to explore the woods can sometimes win out over the need to keep safe. It isn’t always easy, but ensuring prevention is the best course of action.

Ticks are only one danger summertime brings. Already this year Connecticut has seen multiple tragedies on the water, which can be common early in the season when the air warms up before the water. That means people who fall in, even experienced swimmers, can go into shock when they hit the cold water, often with fatal consequences.

The early summer season has also seen an increase in deaths on Connecticut roads. Already this year, wrong-way crashes on highways have been distressingly frequent, with driver impairment often the common thread. People need to know their limits and take precautions against any kind of driving under the influence.

Because it’s not just drivers at risk. Pedestrians and cyclists, who do not have the benefit of thousands of pounds of metal protecting them, are especially endangered when cars are out of control. Whether the problem is distracted driving, poor road design or a combination of factors, people outside of cars are in danger far too often, reflecting a lack of emphasis in the state on pedestrian safety. This is in many ways the best part of summer — the temperatures are relatively mild and the oppressive heat and humidity hasn’t yet hit. There are many people outside enjoying the best that Connecticut has to offer. It’s a good idea to consider safety, too.

There are no vaccines, so prevention remains the best course. That can be harder when children are involved, as the urge to explore the woods can sometimes win out over the need to keep safe.