Spring Break is just around the corner for many school kids and college students, which means fun vacations, hanging out with friends—and an unfortunate spike in accidents and injuries across the country.
The good news is that with a little planning and foresight, you can still enjoy your vacation without Spring Break accidents. Find out how to stay safe with this helpful information from the personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys.
Common Spring Break Accidents
Many people, especially college students, go on vacation during Spring Break. This can lead to an increase in accidents for multiple reasons. Traveling by car or plane increases the risk of an accident, as does staying in an unfamiliar location. Here are some of the most common Spring Break accidents.
Car Accidents
One 2015 study by the University of Miami found that car accidents spike between the last week of February and the first week of April throughout common vacation hot spots including Nevada, Arizona, and California. The data reflected a 9.1% increase in deadly car accidents each week during this time period.
The study also discovered that there was a significantly higher number of out-of-state drivers involved in these deadly car accidents compared to other times of the year. Car accidents may be caused by distracted driving, drowsy or impaired driving, or other contributing factors like speeding and unfamiliarity with local roads.
Boating Accidents
Spring Break is a popular time for boating as the weather warms up and people decide to get out on the water. But as more people fill the waterways, boating accidents tend to rise. These accidents range from collisions with other boats to equipment failure and operator error. Boating accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are common during Spring Break at hotels, resorts, clubs, and on cruise ships. The combination of inebriated revelers, highly-trafficked areas, and poorly-maintained premises can lead to dangerous slips, trips, and falls. Something as simple as an unattended spill could lead to life-changing injuries because of a business’s negligence.
Spring Break Safety Tips
To prevent Spring Break accidents and injuries this year, make safety your number one priority, no matter the activity. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and later find yourself in a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. Plan ahead with these practical Spring Break safety tips.
Plan Transportation Ahead of Time
Whether you’re driving across the country or to the bar, you should have a transportation plan (including a backup plan) in place before you leave for any situation.
- Drive in shifts to avoid fatigued or drowsy driving for long car journeys with friends.
- Choose a designated driver for shorter trips to places that may involve alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
- Arrange alternate transportation like an Uber, Lyft, or taxi ride if your designated driver does end up drinking. Always have a plan B!
- Don’t take drugs or medications that affect driving before you get behind the wheel.
Bonus Tip: Keep cash on hand in addition to local taxi numbers in case you get stranded without a ride.
Drink Responsibly
Spring Break is often associated with binge drinking. There’s nothing wrong with letting loose with your friends, but drinking too much or engaging in reckless behaviors while drinking can put yourself and others at risk.
- Pace yourself while drinking. Have some water with each alcoholic drink you consume and try to eat a full meal before you begin drinking.
- Look out for signs of alcohol poisoning in others, which may include confusion, loss of consciousness, difficulty waking someone, and excessive vomiting. Call 911 right away if you suspect someone may be suffering from alcohol poisoning.
- Keep an eye on your drink, and never accept drinks from anyone you don’t know. If you lose track of your drink even for a few moments, throw it out and get a new one. All it takes is a few moments of distraction for someone to slip powerful sedatives like Rohypnol into your drink.
- Avoid mixing alcohol and boating. Operating a boat requires many of the same motor skills as operating a vehicle. Boating under the influence can cause a serious and even fatal accident.
- Don’t go swimming while intoxicated, which puts you at risk of accidental drowning.
Use the Buddy System
When you’re in a place you’ve never been before—especially in a foreign country—using the buddy system wherever you go can help prevent Spring Break accidents and ensure that someone can call for help if you get into trouble. They can also serve as a witness if you suffer an accident or injury.
- Don’t leave a party with people you don’t know. Criminals may try to lure people away from their group to rob or attack them.
- Let people know your plans if you do go somewhere alone, including where you’re going and approximately how long you’ll be gone.
- Avoid traveling by foot at night. It’s easy to get lost in the dark when you’re somewhere new, and criminals may prey on people they know aren’t locals.
- Keep an eye on your surroundings. Watch out for yourself and your friends. Many people are less vigilant when they are enjoying a vacation and prone to more accidents.
Injured During Spring Break?
You may practice good safety habits while traveling and still unfortunately suffer injury. If you’re involved in an accident this Spring Break because of another person’s negligent or reckless behavior, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.
Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Our personal injury lawyers are skilled, compassionate, and fiercely devoted to our clients’ well-being. For effective legal representation after a Spring Break accident, call us at 844-977-1900. You can also chat online with a live representative, or submit the details of your case online 24/7.