As spring break approaches,
parents and college students alike tend to get excited, but for different
reasons. Here are some spring break safety tips.
If driving, rotate drivers to keep everyone rested. Whoever
sits in the passenger seat should always stay awake to ensure that the
driver stays awake and alert. Two people paying attention to the road are
always better than one. Make sure that anyone who will be driving has a
valid driver’s license and the proper party has the vehicle’s current
registration and proof of insurance in the car before leaving. If visiting
a foreign country, find out ahead of time if current insurance coverage will
be effective and valid while abroad. Never leave valuables in plain view
in a motor vehicle car. Instead, always lock these items in the trunk.
If staying at a hotel, before leaving, make sure to
know the name of the hotel, its phone number, and address, just in case. Never
tell any stranger your room number. Watch out for pickpockets in crowded
places. Do not leave anything of value on the balcony of a hotel room.
Unsuspecting college students in masses are an excellent target for larcenous
criminals.
If staying at a hotel, reserve a room above the 1st
floor but below the 6th floor. First floor rooms are easier for criminals
to access, and rooms above the sixth floor are sometimes too high for fire
ladders to reach. Be aware of the locations of the nearest fire exits and
stairwells in case it is necessary to evacuate the building. Inside your
room, always make sure door and window locks are secure.
Ignore strangers who offer rides. It is always best
to call ahead and arrange any transportation. Especially, in this era of
ride-sharing. Always pay attention to your surroundings and stay alert
during any taxi or ride-sharing excursion. Always be sure to track your
location using google maps or a navigation service. Never get in any motor
vehicle being operated by someone who is intoxicated. There is always a better,
safer alternative.
Try to visit ATMs in groups. When approaching an ATM,
perform a complete 360-degree scan of your surroundings to detect anything
unusual. Do not be afraid to visit another safer ATM if something is not
right. Always cover the ATM keypad when entering a PIN number. You never
know who may be watching and from where.
If you are old enough to consume
alcohol, be smart and drink responsibly. Eat before drinking. Drinking on
an empty stomach may cause alcohol to take effect more quickly. Do not be
fooled into thinking sweet drinks are harmless. Alcoholic drinks with high
sugar content take effect sooner than non-sweetened drinks since sugar
causes alcohol to more easily penetrate the wall of the stomach and, therefore,
enter the bloodstream faster. It is also important to know that some types
of alcohol have stronger and faster effects. Do not be afraid to spoil the
party if it means avoiding a potentially dangerous result. Before going
out to the bars, set limits. This is an optimal time to make good
decisions – when you are sober and clear-headed. When drinking, make sure
you know the liquor laws of the place where you will be vacationing.
Never let your drink leave your sight. Always keep it
close, in reach and within range, so that in the presence of anyone or
anything unusual, you can keep it secure. If you go to the bathroom, take
your drink with you. Date rape drugs may be put into any drink, even
non-alcoholic drinks, anywhere at any time. Do not drink from open
beverage sources such as punch bowls, pitchers, or tubs.
Remember that it is not only important to be aware of
someone slipping some foreign substance into your drink, but that alcohol
itself is the most commonly used date rape drug. According to a 2007 study
by the National Institute of Health, 89% of female undergrad sexual
assault victims reported drinking prior to their assault. While no victim is
to blame for a sexual assault, the link between alcohol and victimization is
substantial and cannot be disregarded.
Before the night begins, DESIGNATE A DRIVER! If this
is not possible, use a taxi or ride-sharing service.
When on the beach, maintain
hydration and use waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and reapply
often. Avoid sun exposure during the hours when UV rays are the most
intense between 10 am and 4 pm.
Never swim alone. If you go into the water, always
have a buddy. Even the most experienced swimmer can get caught in an
undertow. If you are caught in a rip current, don’t bother swimming
against it. Instead, swim parallel to shore until the rip passes.
Know the flag system for water safety:
Red Flag: Stay out of the water because of strong
undertow and riptides.
Yellow Flag: Use CAUTION in the water. There are
some undertow and riptides possible.
Blue Flag: Calm water. Swim safely.
Wherever you go on spring break, on each excursion,
whether to the beach, hotel room, or bar, it is important to consistently consider
the safety of everyone in your party: Come with friends. Leave
with friends.
Powell Law’s attorneys have unmatched experience assisting individuals who have suffered damages caused by the negligence of others. At Powell Law, it is our goal to protect and assert our clients’ rights effectively. Powell Law has an established 115-year-old reputation throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE, and you don’t pay unless we win!
