Tips for Avoiding Injury During Spring Vacation
Over the next month, millions of people, including many college students, will invade Texas for the annual pilgrimage known as spring break. Texas has long been one of the top destinations for college students letting off steam during spring break. Estimates are that up to 150,000 students come to South Padre Island alone and that millions visit some part of the Lone Star State.
Experts have long understood that car accident rates remain constant, so more people traveling more miles typically equates to more accidents. And when you combine young drivers with substantial consumption of alcohol, the potential for injury increases dramatically.
How can you minimize spring break travel dangers this year? How can you stay safe on Texas roads over the next month?
What Are the Risks Associated With Driving During Spring Break in Texas?
The common causes of car accidents in Texas during spring break include:
- Impairment due to alcohol or drugs—As a general rule, about one of every three car accidents involves a drunk driver. That number goes up during spring break. In 2021 alone, there were nearly 900 alcohol-related car accidents in Texas during spring break, with more than 100 serious and/or catastrophic injuries and 30 fatalities.
- Distracted driving—College students are more likely than other adults to be using a handheld device, adjusting the stereo, or looking at roadside attractions.
- Fatigue or drowsiness—Sleep is typically not a priority for the revelers who come for spring break.
- Inexperience—Most of the visitors during spring break have been driving for less than 7-8 years.
- Increased traffic congestion
What Can You Do To Minimize the Risk of a Car Accident in Texas Over Spring Break?
There are a number of measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of a car accident in Texas during spring break this year:
- Don’t drink and drive—If you want to join the party, find a designated driver, so that no one gets behind the wheel when impaired. If you’re travelling with a group, take turns being the designated driver. If you don’t have a designated driver, use a rideshare company.
- Don’t get behind the wheel when you’re tired—When you don’t get enough sleep, your reaction time slows down, and you tend to make poorer decisions behind the wheel.
- Walk whenever you can—To the extent possible, drive to your destination, park the car, and get some exercise. Often, you can have the full experience of spring break without ever getting in a car. Obviously, if you stay out of a car, your chances of being hurt in a car accident become almost non-existent.
- If you must drive, take reasonable safety precautions—Always use your seatbelt, even if you’re just driving around the corner. Maintain a reasonable speed and don’t tailgate. Know when traffic will be the heaviest, and try to plan any driving for other times.
- Don’t use a handheld device when you’re driving—If your vehicle has hands-free capability, use it. If you need to send or read a text message, pull off the road.
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have fought for the rights of injured people in Texas for more than 40 years, including people hurt in accidents in Texas when the roads become congested during spring break. In our 40+ years in practice, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury clients.
We know how to effectively investigate and litigate a car accident injury claim to maximize your recovery. Contact us by email or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
