Have a Spring Break to Remember
Spring break means the home stretch of the school year, the end of a long winter, and the start of a season of fun in the sun—all great reasons to celebrate. These celebrations can be even better if they’re not marred by worries about sizzling sunburns or hangovers, or worse.
Spring break and other vacations are supposed to be carefree and fun. The tendency for many people is to have a great time and worry about the consequences later. No one has to give up all the fun as long as common sense and caution play some part in the activities.
Students are taking greater risk by not buckling up and also by drinking and driving. These problems are not unique to spring break, but they are more common due to the large number of partying students gathered together in one place at the same time.
The challenge is to encourage youth to find alternative activities to participate in during spring break. Resorts are full of students during spring break. One way to promote safety is to pass out pamphlets, place door hangers in hotels, and have giveaways at resort locations. Communities offer activities such as alcohol-free lock-in parties, carnivals, parades, festivals, and educational programs to encourage students to be alcohol free. Businesses, student councils, and PTAs offer contests that students may take part in prior to and during spring break. One such contest has students taking a safe spring break pledge promising to:
- wear safety belts,
- not to drink and drive, and
- not to ride with an impaired driver and not to let friends drive drunk.
All students taking the pledge have their name entered into a drawing with an opportunity to win prizes.
Students need to be aware of ways to ensure a safe spring break. Here are a few basic tips to remember:
- Everyone in the vehicle should buckle up every time.
- Make it a habit to buckle up on long and short trips.
- If you choose to drink, find alternative transportation to your destination.
- Designate a driver if you choose to drink.
- Remember: If you drive, don’t drink. If you drink, don’t drive.
Spring break is supposed to be fun and memorable. Being responsible in decision making when it comes to seat belts and drinking will make for a spring break to remember.
