Spring break safety tips

By: Kayla Hunt, Columnist

March Madness is branded as the annual NCAA college basketball tournament that occurs throughout the month of March; however, it’s not just the game that makes March such a frenzy.

For students, March can be a chaotic month due to the anxiety of midterms, the anticipation of warm weather and the desire for the commencement of spring break.

Although spring break is the time when people relax and take a break from their stress-induced routine, there are some warning hazards for young adults.

During spring break festivities, 11 percent of people excessively drink to the point of blacking or passing out, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone is killed every 31 minutes as a result of a drunk driving accident, and during spring break, those numbers increase by 23 percent. Death toll in traffic accidents have also increased by 9.1 percent among drivers who are under the age of 25.

The CDC provides tips to assure safety for spring break travels:

  1. Limit alcohol. Drinking alcohol can impair your judgement and actions. If drinking is apart of your vacation, do it in moderation. Also, remind yourself and others of the importance of refraining from driving while under the influence.
  2. Be active. After a long winter, take the time to be more active during spring break. Indulge yourself in activities such as talking walks, going swimming and playing outdoor sports.
  3. Protect yourself from the sun, and protect your eyes. It is tempting to enjoy the warm weather after a brutal winter, however, excessive exposure can have harmful effects including changes in skin texture and a risk of skin cancer. Don’t forget to add sunscreen and sunglasses on your packing list.
  4. Plan a successful trip. Be prepared and be informed when going on a trip. Make sure you have everything you need to ensure a successful trip.

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