Spring break is that special time of year when students can put away their books and enjoy a refreshing vacation at their favorite destination locations. For some partygoers, this means traveling to Hawaii’s gorgeous beaches, exploring the Los Angeles cityscape, or enjoying Florida’s world-famous attractions. Other vacationers may prefer a European sojourn, a destination cruise, or a wild Cancun weekend.
No matter your predilection, the Charleston personal injury attorneys at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC want you to have a safe and memorable spring break experience. To help you plan a successful trip, we’ve created this list of 4 spring break safety tips.
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
The best way to stay safe is to make sure all your preparations are completed before you leave:
- Double-check that your hotel and transportation options are good to go
- Request a hotel room on upper floors (these are less accessible to thieves and criminals)
- Verify that your vaccinations are updated if you’re going out of the country
- Review recent news articles to determine if your destination spot is still a safe location
- Talk to your medical care provider about refilling your prescriptions before you leave
- Pack a small first aid kit
- Keep emergency cash and prepare backup credit cards
- Make copies of your travel documents
- Prepare a list of emergency contacts
Tip #2: Drive Safely
A traffic collision is certainly one way to ruin a fun vacation! Follow these steps to stay safe no matter the road conditions:
- Only use approved taxi services or prearranged rideshare drivers – ignore strangers offering rides
- Ask to see a taxi driver’s ID before accepting a ride
- Use a GPS app to keep track of your rideshare driver’s route
- If you feel unsafe, ask the taxi or rideshare driver to pull over
- Don’t accept rides from intoxicated friends, family members, or professional drivers
- Rotate drivers if you’re going on a long road trip
- Never drink and drive
- The shotgun rider needs to help the driver navigate and stay awake
- Take a map in case your GPS fails
- If you’re in a foreign country, take some time to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and road signs
- Make sure that everyone is carrying a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance
- Watch out for pickpockets if you’re using a subway or metro
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle
- Always keep a copy of your hotel’s name, address, and phone number
Tip #3: Avoid Dangerous Locations
In recent years, public officials and safety organizations have noted an uptick in spring break crime. Stay safe by following these steps:
- Thoroughly research your spring break destination before hitting the road – don’t just check the happy vacation webpages, dig into the local news and crime stories
- Avoid locations that are known for cartel-related violence and human trafficking
- Review local laws (particularly drug and alcohol policies) to make sure you aren’t accidentally involved in criminal activities
- Make sure you always travel in groups through questionable locations
- Trust your instincts to avoid high-risk situations and dangerous areas
Tip #4: Drink Responsibly
Drinking and partying are two popular spring break activities. However, all good things need to be in moderation, especially when you’re in an unfamiliar place. Spring break injuries typically occur because vacationers and partygoers have a little too much to drink. Review this list to keep the party safe and fun:
- Stick to the golden rule of partying: come with your friends, leave with your friends
- Establish a drinking limit while you’re still sober and determine your personal boundaries
- Ask a friend to cut you off if you start approaching this limit
- Eat before going out to drink
- Pace yourself, take water breaks, and avoid binge drinking
- Research the local liquor laws of your vacation location
- Always keep an eye on your drink to avoid date rape drugs (this includes bathroom breaks)
- Don’t drink from open beverage sources
- Assign a designated driver
- Don’t walk outside alone if you’ve been drinking; call a taxi or rideshare driver
Injured on Vacation? Schedule a Free Consultation
You deserve a Spring Break that is social media-worthy and memorable for only the best reasons. But if you run into trouble and need legal guidance, turn to the Charleston personal injury attorneys at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC. Our legal team can investigate your case, identify a negligent party, and help you secure compensatory damages that facilitate your physical and financial recovery.
Call Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC at (843) 968-0886 to schedule a consultation. We represent clients in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.