Spring break nightmares
Students share spring break horror stories
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Sports
springbreaksafety
(from www.safespringbreak.org)
On the road
Buckle up! Also take turns behind the wheel, and whoever sits shotgun should stay awake to keep the driver company. Make sure everyone has a valid driver's license and the vehicle registration is in the car before driving off.
In the hotel
Reserve a room that's above the 1st floor but below the 6th floor. Why? First floor rooms are easier to break into, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders to reach. If safes are provided, definitely use them for any valuables you may have. Keep doors and sliding doors locked, and don't let anyone into your room unless you can trust them. Make a mental note of where the nearest fire exits and stairwells are located in case you need to evacuate.
At the ATM
Try to go the ATM in groups, but avoid getting overly complacent about safety just because you're traveling in numbers. Also try to go during daylight hours. When you approach the ATM, do a full 360 degree scan, looking completely around you to see if anyone is hanging out where they shouldn't be. When punching in your pin number, use your other hand to cover the keypad. Always be on the lookout for anyone suspicious. If someone is creeping you out, go to another ATM.
While drinkin'
Be responsible. Pace yourself if you choose to drink, and avoid hard alcohol or other drinks that are powerful and have fast effects. (And remember that drunks = easy targets.) Also be aware of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. If you do decide to drink, know the liquor laws of wherever you'll be vacationing.
On the beach
Drinking + sun can equal a bad sunburn and an even worse hangover. Sun can maximize the effects of alcohol so keep this in mind if you party on the beach. Take it slow and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. If you start feeling faint or light headed, get shade and water immediately. And don't be a lobster. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and reapply often.
(from www.safespringbreak.org)
On the road
Buckle up! Also take turns behind the wheel, and whoever sits shotgun should stay awake to keep the driver company. Make sure everyone has a valid driver's license and the vehicle registration is in the car before driving off.
In the hotel
Reserve a room that's above the 1st floor but below the 6th floor. Why? First floor rooms are easier to break into, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire ladders to reach. If safes are provided, definitely use them for any valuables you may have. Keep doors and sliding doors locked, and don't let anyone into your room unless you can trust them. Make a mental note of where the nearest fire exits and stairwells are located in case you need to evacuate.
At the ATM
Try to go the ATM in groups, but avoid getting overly complacent about safety just because you're traveling in numbers. Also try to go during daylight hours. When you approach the ATM, do a full 360 degree scan, looking completely around you to see if anyone is hanging out where they shouldn't be. When punching in your pin number, use your other hand to cover the keypad. Always be on the lookout for anyone suspicious. If someone is creeping you out, go to another ATM.
While drinkin'
Be responsible. Pace yourself if you choose to drink, and avoid hard alcohol or other drinks that are powerful and have fast effects. (And remember that drunks = easy targets.) Also be aware of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. If you do decide to drink, know the liquor laws of wherever you'll be vacationing.
On the beach
Drinking + sun can equal a bad sunburn and an even worse hangover. Sun can maximize the effects of alcohol so keep this in mind if you party on the beach. Take it slow and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. If you start feeling faint or light headed, get shade and water immediately. And don't be a lobster. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and reapply often.
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