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Florida Spring Break Safety Tips

What Happens When People Are Injured in Florida During Spring Break?

Florida is one of the most popular destinations for family vacations and college students to spend time while school is out during spring break. While spring break is a time to have fun and take it easy, it is also a time of increased accidents and tragedies, especially for young college-aged students. If you plan to travel to Florida or throughout the state during spring break it is important to stay safe while you enjoy your time off.

Should an unexpected accident happen, getting rapid medical attention is necessary to treat the injury and prevent further harm. If you have been injured, it is a good idea to speak with a legal professional about your incident to see if filing a claim for compensation is the right next step. The Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates can discuss your accident experience with you and explore what options may be available for compensation.

How Often Do Accidents Occur over Spring Break in Florida?

Florida Spring Break Safety TipsEvery year hundreds of thousands of people flock to the state of Florida to enjoy spring break activities. The state is a favorite of young college students during this time because of the warm climate, attractive beaches, and party-like environment. The Florida Department of Transportation indicates that a significant increase in car accidents happens during the spring break time frame. The majority of these accidents involve teen-aged drivers and take place during the day. Alcohol is the most common reason for these crashes happening.

According to a survey of college students attending spring break in Florida, 83% of females said that their drinking habits increased substantially over spring break than their drinking habits are while in school. Also, 83% of these women said their friends drank every single night. Drinking was something that was not only done at night. Approximately 40% of males and 33% of females admit to being drunk throughout the daytime. Also, 50% of men and 40% of women say that they drink excessively until they pass out each night.

The survey also reported that 60% of the spring breakers will have a run-in with law enforcement while on vacation. 

As for injuries, 60% of spring breakers will suffer a self-inflicted injury. Falling off balconies is a primary reason for deaths that take place each year over spring break.

If you are injured in a car accident, motorcycle accident, on a cruise ship, or on a boat, connecting with a Jacksonville boat accident attorney is critical to helping you secure the compensation you need for your damages. Considering how common car accidents are and how many more happen over spring break, knowing your rights is necessary to receiving insurance benefits for your damages. The state of Florida only affords victims of car accidents two weeks, or 14 days to be seen by a doctor and get the treatment that may be covered by insurance.

Top Safety Tips for Spring Break

Because of the many perils that exist and the tendency to engage in risky behavior, before you go taking some time to consider safety over spring break could keep you and your loved ones better protected.

Monitor Alcohol Intake

Even if you are not driving, doing anything impaired is a huge gamble in terms of safety. An inebriated mind does not think clearly or responsibly and the body’s reaction time to situations is also reduced. So while it can feel good to enjoy a couple of adult beverages, taking your time to sip your drink and keeping water around can help you from becoming drunk to the point where you have little control over yourself. And if you do need to get from place to place in an automobile plan ahead to ensure you have a sober driver at all times.

The same is true for boats, jet skis, and other vessels you may be using while you are away. It is both unlawful and unsafe to operate a boat if you are drunk. In 2020 Florida had the most registered vessels in the nation. There were 836 reportable Florida boating accidents that year. This means that there were many more accidents, but these were the only incidents that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement was informed of.

Inspect Your Car

If you will have a car over spring break or if you are driving to a destination in Florida to celebrate some well-deserved time off, make sure your car is in good working order. If you can, take your car to a professional to check everything from the tires to the fluids and more. If anything needs to be addressed you can have peace of mind knowing that it will be identified and taken care of before you hit the road.

Don’t Drive While Fatigued

If you are driving for long distances or driving at night with other parties think about taking turns behind the wheel. Or, plan to make stops for rest throughout your travels. Drowsy driving is dangerous and a person who is overly tired often has similar issues being able to operate an automobile as a person who is drunk.

Understand Your Surroundings

Speak to a hotel staff member to get a better understanding of your environment and what places are safe and which are not. If you are unfamiliar with the area, getting some insider information about where you are can keep you from harm.

Remember Stranger Danger

While you can have fun and be friendly you should also exercise caution about the people around you. Do not accept rides, offer rides, go back to hotel rooms, or bring people back to your room who you do not know. Keep your room key on you at all times and never leave it unattended if possible.

Safely Store Valuables

Losing something valuable like jewelry, money, credit cards, ids, passports, and other items can be devastating. If your hotel room has a safe, it is a good idea to store those things you cannot risk losing inside.

Speak to a Jacksonville Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you were injured in a Florida accident or any other incident you can have your case evaluated by one of the seasoned Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Sheftall & Associates during a free consultation by calling 904-647-2296.