In the next month, school-age children through college students will be embarking on spring break. While spring break is an exciting and fun time of year, it can also be a dangerous time of year—especially if you aren’t capable. Additionally, Florida is a popular spring break destination each year. Check out this article by USA Today on the top Spring Break destinations for 2016.
Whether your children are still in grade school, teenagers or college-age young adults, it is important that you keep them safe this year’s Spring Break.
Visit here to learn more about the upcoming school vacations in the Palm Beach area.
1. Monitor Your Children at Other People’s Homes
During school vacation, it is likely that you will travel to family or friends’ homes for “playdates”. You must remember to keep an eye on your children. You do not know how childproof the home you are going to actually is and you cannot expect others to watch your children.
Also, make sure other adults and children are on the lookout for small children. Protect your children from falls, burns, and other potential accidents just by keeping a close eye on them.
2. Don’t Drink and Drive
Most Spring Break-ers involve a few drinks—particularly for college-age kids. While it’s certainly fine to let loose and have fun, be sure to designate a driver or avoid any alcoholic beverages for the night.
Remember, the legal drinking age in the state of Florida is 21. If you are hosting a spring break party, make sure that those visiting your home do not leave your house drunk.
Collect everyone’s keys when they arrive and only give them back if they are adequate enough to drive. Anytime someone drives drunk, it puts everyone on the road with them in danger, and increases the likelihood of fatal accidents..
3. Be Beach Smart
A popular activity to enjoy over Spring Break is visiting the beach. The state of Florida is home to dozens of warm, sandy, and comfortable beaches. But there are some safety tips to keep in mind while visiting the beach with your family and/or friends.
- The Florida sun is hot! Wear sunscreen to avoid a painful and potentially dangerous sunburn.
- Watch out for vehicles on the beach. Some Florida beaches permit vehicles on the beach. Be on the look-out for these vehicles, and alert your children accordingly.
- Swimming safety. Spring Break season also kicks off swimming the swimming season. Be sure to remind children the importance of wearing proper swim gear.
4. Don’t Forget About Allergies and Food Safety
You may not think much about what you and your children eat, but food borne illnesses can cause serious injury—and some can even be life-threatening, especially if you are off on vacation and enjoying the local culture and cuisine! Be mindful of what you are eating and where, and do your research on any new food establishments.
Additionally, if you are visiting Florida, be sure to pack any allergy medications that you or your children may need while being away from home. Taking the time to be packed and prepared can avoid devastating accidents on vacation.
5. Drive Safely
While you already know to not drink and drive, there are also other things you can do to ensure everyone in your vehicle (including the kids) are safe.
These include:
- Always using the proper seat belt position and child seat for your child. If your child is in an infant seat, make sure it is installed correctly before leaving. College kids, this goes for you, too! You’re never too old to wear a seat belt!
- Do not drive distracted. This means putting away the cellphone and anything else that can take your eyes away from the road.
- Avoid driving drowsy. If you are too tired, pull over and rest rather than risk continuing to drive.
6. Be Cautious Using Public Transportation
Public transportation in Florida is a reliable means of getting around the cities as a tourist. From beach to bar hopping, public transportation is a safer travel method, however it has its own dangers you should be aware of, as well as teach your kids.
Whether you are taking the train, the bus or a taxi, like car accidents, public transportation accidents can happen, too. If you and your children are visiting someone’s home and they have pets, teach your children to exercise caution. In fact, public transportation operator negligence is one of the most common reasons for public transportation accidents.
Be sure to take note of the driver when getting into a vehicle. Be mindful of the time of day or evening you are using public transportation, and, as we mentioned above, continue to use your seat belt.
Read more about public transportation accidents in Florida here.
Make Memories, Not Mistakes…
Remember, Spring Break memories can last a lifetime…and so can’t injuries! Keep your kids safe over Spring Break this year.
Keeping your kids safe over spring break is easy, as long as you take the time to educate them of the dangerous—regardless of whether they are 12 or 22. As long as you know what hazards to look out for and how to prevent becoming victim to them, your children can safely enjoy this year’s spring break season.
Spring Break Accident? Call a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney
If you or your child was injured in an accident in Florida over spring break, or while visiting on vacation, then contact a reputable West Palm Beach personal injury attorney. Not only do we have experience representing individuals of all ages, we can also help those who aren’t Florida residents.
Get started with a West Palm Beach personal injury attorney today.