Specifically, when going into tick areas, no open toed shoes, no shorts, and wear long sleeves. Tuck your pants legs into your socks. Most ticks climb up from your feet. Another tip is to treat your outdoor shoes with permethrin on the first of each month in May, June, July, and August.
Ticks are much more difficult for children (who have to be taught the above), definitely people with outdoor pets, people who didn't expect to be in the woods (gardening, picnics, shortcut on the walk home, etc), and people not returning for the night (ever try checking yourself for ticks by firelight? even then your laundry is nearby, and they might crawl out. etc)