Spring Break Notoriously Dangerous Time

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Mid-March means thousands will be traveling along Texas roads to visit popular spring break destinations like Port Aransas and South Padre Island. For families, a trip to the beach is innocent fun, but for many teenagers and young adults immersed in binge drinking culture, spring break can be a dangerous and deadly time. In 2018 alone, the Texas Department of Transportation attributed more than 400 accidents exclusively to young people driving under the influence during spring break.

Deadly Consequences

A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which focused solely on excessive alcohol consumption among college students, discovered that the average male student drinks up to 18 drinks per day, while the average female student drinks up to 10 drinks per day during spring break. It is estimated that an average of 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related injuries annually, with fatal crashes being among the top cause; and most disturbing, these numbers spike during spring break.

Plan While You Can

As spring break proves more deadly every year, Crosley Law has some tips for making safety your top priority on the roads this March:

  • Practice extra vigilance while driving from March 11-March 24.
  • Stop the use of mobile devices while driving and consider installing a hands-free or Bluetooth operated system.
  • Be aware of weather, road conditions, and road closures wherever you are traveling and allow appropriate time to reach your destination.
  • Under no circumstance should you drink and drive. Always plan for a designated driver, a cab, or a ride-share option.

What To Do If You Are Hit By A Drunk Driver

Getting into a car accident can be scary, but it can be even more terrifying if the person who hit you is inebriated and not of sound mind. If you have the misfortune of being struck by someone under the influence this spring break, here is a list of steps to take:

  • Immediately pull over somewhere that is away from the flow of traffic if it is safe and possible to do so; e.g. onto the shoulder of the road, into a parking lot, etc.
  • Take a moment to collect yourself and make sure you are not injured. If you are injured, immediately call 911.
  • If you feel you do not need medical attention, call the police right away.
  • Once you have called the police, and if it is safe to do so, exit your vehicle and try to collect as much information as possible. This includes the other driver’s insurance information, the other driver’s contact information, pictures of the damage to both cars, pictures of the accident scene, etc.

Stay Vigilant

Texas has one of the highest drunk driving and DWI fatality rates in America. If you plan to celebrate this spring break or St. Patrick’s Day, please be safe and be sure to leave your car at home. If you or a loved one are injured by a drunk driver, contact Crosley Law right away so that we can make sure your legal rights are protected and so that we can get you the help that you need.

Crosley Law wishes you and your family a very happy and healthy spring break!