Students Urged to Practice Spring Break Safety

Many USU students will leave Logan next week in search of a relaxing vacation, yet they may not be aware of the dangers associated with Spring Break.

Jana Carling, prevention specialist at the Student Wellness Center, said, "Many students say to themselves, 'this is my free time, I can relax,' when it really is a time that you need to be at a heightened sense of caution, because you are not on your home turf ... anything can happen."

This week the Student Wellness Center has posted signs to educate students about how to be safe while having fun, whether traveling abroad or going on a road trip.

For students traveling by car, Carling said, "The best thing you can do to protect yourself is wear your seatbelt."

She also recommends keeping emergency supplies in the trunk. Jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a spare tire and the equipment needed to change it are a must.

Students who plan on drinking alcohol need to be aware of the dangers of driving under the influence, Carling said.

"Spring Break is a time when students seem to be drinking a lot more, because this is their time to have fun and take a break," Carling said.

They are more likely to abuse alcohol, "and when you drink that much it's a lot more difficult to make smart choices."

Driving skills falter as a person's blood-alcohol levels approach the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Carling recommends students pick a designated driver for the night, or wait at least one hour before getting behind the wheel for each 12-ounce can of beer or 1-ounce shot of liquor they consume.

Sgt. Ell Perry of the Utah Highway Patrol said law enforcement officials know when college spring breaks occur and will be watching for drivers who appear to be under the influence. A DUI conviction can result in more than $2,500 in fines and impound fees, plus a night in jail and additional fines if minors are involved, he said.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is not the only danger facing students who are taking road trips over Spring Break.

"Driving tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk," Carling said. "It affects your thinking and reaction time."

She suggested scheduling a rest stop every two hours, even when traveling in a group.

Perry said, "We've had a number of fatalities in our state from people driving fatigued."

Caffeine, rolling down windows and loud music may not keep a tired driver awake.

"The only true answer if you are sleepy is to pull over and take a 10- or 15-minute nap," Perry said. "[But] sleeping over 20 minutes can actually make you more tired."

Carling said students who plan to travel abroad during the break should use extra caution.

"It's really important to know the laws of the country you're going to," Carling said, because minor offenses in the United States may be treated more seriously in foreign countries.

"[Girls] should protect each other and set their boundaries beforehand" to avoid sexual assault over the break, Carling said.

She recommended traveling in groups, promising to leave parties together, and not leaving drinks unattended.

"Even if you are not drinking alcohol, don't put your drink down and leave it, because people could slip something in it," Carling said.

No matter where they go for Spring Break, she said, students should use common sense and follow their instincts.

"Be safe," Carling said. "As long as you are protecting yourself, you will have fun."

By Lynze Wardle; lynze@cc.usu.edu