For many students here in Worcester, Mass, getting away to a warm destination for spring break is a time-honored tradition, even a rite of passage. However, the energetic, alcohol-fueled atmosphere at many hot spring break destinations can have dangerous consequences. Read on to discover which spring break destinations are the most dangerous, how to avoid spring break injuries, and what to do if you or your child is injured on spring break.
It’s no secret that the traditional spring break getaway includes alcohol—and lots of it. According to one study, the average male spring breaker consumed 18 drinks per day, and the average female, 10 drinks. That’s two to three times more alcohol than what’s considered binge drinking, which contributes to thousands of spring break injuries among college students every year.
Common Spring Break Injuries
With excessive alcohol consumption comes excessive risk. It will come as no surprise that drinking plays a role in many of the most common spring break injuries. Among them are:
- Car accidents: Due to traffic congestion and drunk driving, spring breakers are at an increased risk of getting in a car accident.
- Pedestrian accidents: Intoxicated or distracted by cell phones, spring break pedestrians may be inattentive in traffic.
- Water accidents: Whether swimming, boating, parasailing, or participating in other water sports, spring breakers put themselves at risk of injury when they’re in or near the water, particularly when alcohol is involved. It’s important to wear life jackets when operating watercraft and to avoid diving off rocks, balconies, or into shallow areas.
- Binge-drinking injuries: Alcohol poisoning is a serious danger for well-intentioned spring breakers who let loose and drink more than they are used to. Ironically, it’s the students who regularly drink the least who are at the highest risk, due to their lower tolerance.
- Slip and fall injuries: Spilled drinks in crowded bars could lead to dangerously slippery surfaces.
- Physical assault and mugging: it’s a sad truth that intoxication makes people more vulnerable and easier targets for robbers and predators. Additionally, alcohol frequently triggers violent behavior at bars.
- Cruise ship injuries: Slippery decks, falling objects, and the risk of food poisoning are all potential dangers when aboard a cruise ship.
Still dead-set on a tropical party spot? Consider the following crime data when selecting a spring break destination.
The Best Spring Break Destinations… to Get Injured
The website Avvo.com ranked popular American spring break destinations according to their rates of violent crime, murder, rape, and car crashes. Florida spring break destinations dominated six of the top 10 spots, with Orlando coming in as the riskiest place to party this spring. These are the 10 most dangerous spring break destinations in America:
International Spring Break Destination Dangers
The idea of getting a new stamp in your passport and traveling to an exotic foreign country is as intoxicating as an authentic Mexican margarita. However, traveling abroad for spring break carries its own set of risks. International travelers must remember that they’re no longer in the U.S. and that U.S. laws no longer protect them. In some countries, law enforcement is understaffed, and violent criminals, drug traffickers, gangs, and thieves run rampant—even at resort areas.
International Spring break hot spots include:
- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Cancun, Mexico
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Jamaica
What to Do if You’re Injured on Spring Break
We hope everyone has a fun and safe spring break this year. If your high school or college student has been injured during spring break, contact the offices of Worcester personal injury attorney Peter Ventura for a free and confidential consultation. Claims may be made against bars, restaurants, hotels, and more to pay for medical care and other expenses resulting from the spring break injury. If the injury occurred abroad, you may still have a case. Contact us today to discuss your options.
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