Spring break is coming! Many of you will be making plans to travel during Mar. 19–23.

While you’re out on your trips, keep safety and smart decisions in mind.

Travel Tips

  1. If your trip involves road tripping with your friends, make sure to have your car checked out before you leave.

    2017 UAPD pre-spring break car checks. Photo courtesy of Reid Hall Instagram.

    University of Arkansas Police Department does spring break car checks on campus for student convenience – take advantage of their service!

  2. While driving, make sure that you take turns driving so you and your friends stay alert. Take a map; just in case your map app fails.
  3. Make sure everyone on the trip has a valid driver’s license.
  4. Double check the car has up-to-date insurance papers.
  5. If your spring break plans involve travel outside of the country, make sure your passport is current, or if you need to get a passport, plan ahead; it takes a while to get your passport back.
  6. Know the number for and the location of the US Embassy. Make sure that you have back up identification in case your main ID gets lost or stolen.

Alcohol Awareness

Spring break is often known as being a week of excessive alcohol consumption among college students.

Check out these National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism stats:

  • 42 percent of students get drunk on at least 1 day,
  • 11 percent drink to the point of blacking out or passing out
  • 32 percent report hangovers
  • 2 percent get into trouble with the police during the spring break week.

In efforts to drink responsibility over the week, Asher Morgan, substance abuse prevention coordinator at Pat Walker Health Center, suggests five considerations during spring break:

Helpful tip: bring a water bottle to the beach so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.

 

  1. Set a limit
  2. Get a buddy
  3. Avoid balconies
  4. Practice safe sex
  5. Eat beforehand

To read more on Morgan’s alcohol consumption considerations, visit the Arkansas Newswire.

Most spring break destinations involve sun and spending lots of time outside. Remember to take and reapply your sunscreen.

If you’re spending lots of time in the water or the sun, make sure that you stay hydrated and drink lots of water!

For more safe spring break tips, check out this exhaustive list of safe practices to make sure you have the most fun on your trip.