Spring Break Means Masses of College Kids at Florida’s Beaches – And More Risk of Drunk Driving Crashes

Residents of Jacksonville and the Daytona Beach area don’t need calendars to tell them when spring break arrives. The lines of traffic flooding to our beaches and the crowds of reveling college students packing local restaurants, bars and other venues let us know when spring break has come.

If it seems like more and more college kids are coming each year, you are right. A recent USA Today article estimated that spring break attendance in Jacksonville and surrounding areas has jumped 36 percent in the past decade.

While spring break provides a boost to our local economy, it also increases the risks for every driver in the area, whether we’re on “break” or not.

Spring break visitors often include alcohol in their celebrations, and the results can be deadly. Southern States Insurance recently ranked Jacksonville among the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Spring Break Destinations in the United States.”

More drinking often means more drunk driving accidents – but it doesn’t have to. Here are some safety tips for visitors and residents to employ this spring break season.

Staying Safe During Spring Break: Tips for Spring Break Visitors

If alcohol is a part of your spring break party plans, keep these tips in mind:

• Know the law. Florida’s minimum legal drinking age is 21 years. Violating this and other state alcohol laws may result in both civil and criminal penalties in some cases.
• Take a cab. Before you head out, program the numbers of local cab companies into your cell phone. You’ll be able to catch a sober ride home or to call a ride for someone who looks like they’ve had one too many.
• Catch a ride home. Jacksonville offers several sources for sober rides home. Keep their contact info handy to help yourself and others avoid a spring break tragedy.
• Plan ahead. Know how you’re getting home before you go to party, whether that’s catching a cab, riding with a designated driver, using public transportation or simply staying within walking distance of your hotel.

Staying Safe During Spring Break: Tips for Jacksonville and Daytona Beach Residents

A recent Men’s Health article  ranked Jacksonville 39^th in the U.S. for DUI arrests and 15^th for drunk driving crash deaths. These numbers increase a bit during spring break weeks, but you can help reduce your chances of becoming a statistic. Here’s how:

• Avoid being out late. Many drunk driving crashes occur during the late-night and pre-dawn hours. If you can, stay safely at home during these times. If you work or you have to be out, consider altering your schedule so that you stay put during the most dangerous hours – for instance, by leaving work a bit later or arriving a bit earlier.
• Stay alert in the “party zones. While traveling in areas frequented by spring break visitors, minimize distractions. Put away your cell phone, turn off the radio and stay alert for other vehicles, pedestrians and any other obstacles that may arise. Do your best to anticipate the unexpected. Driving more slowly can help you avoid a crash and get to your destination safely.
• Report suspected drunk drivers. Don’t hesitate to contact local law enforcement if you suspect a driver has been drinking. Your report might save a life.

Even the safest motorists can fall victim to a drunk driver – not only during spring break, but also throughout the year. If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, it is crucial to get help from an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.