With only a week until spring break, Athens law enforcement offers some tips on how to avoid unpleasant interactions with their colleagues in other locales.
Make sure you know the rules and the limitations of the country you are traveling to
said Andrew Powers, Ohio University police chief.
These precautions can prevent a tropical getaway from becoming a vacation nightmare.
Beyond the buzz and border
More than 2.5 million students spend spring break on the beach, dropping more than $1 billion and drinking an average of 20 alcoholic beverages each day, according to a 2005 American Demographics survey.
If they are traveling to a popular spring break destination and consuming alcohol there are other risks apparent Powers said.
Drugs might be more available in vacation destinations than in Athens, Powers said. Rohypnol, a common date-rape drug, is legally produced in Mexico and parts of Europe where it is used as a sedative or insomnia treatment.
Going over the Mexican border to drink
even going across sober
may not be entirely safe
Athens Police Chief Richard Mayer said.
The U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert for Mexico because of rising drug cartel violence and other crimes, such as robberies, carjackings and petty theft.
Common sense rules about alcohol still apply in tropical settings; know the limits and be aware of the surroundings. Not all beaches are public or allow alcohol, Powers said.
Always travel in a group of two or more people, with at least one sober friend to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely, Mayer said.
Travel travails
No matter where students are vacationing, traffic is bound to be more prevalent than in Athens, Mayer said.
Forbes.com ranked Los Angeles the nation's most congested city for 2008, with the most congested hour being 5 p.m. Thursdays. New York City came in second, followed by Chicago and Dallas.
Any popular spring break location will include an influx of travelers, so expect delays, and watch the speed limit.
Local enforcement has different rules
especially about speed
Mayer said.
Speed limits on urban speedways range from 70 miles per hour in states, such as Louisiana and Mississippi, but drop to 55 miles per hour in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Students who forgo the roads and hop on a plane should keep luggage within their sight, Powers said.
Theft is probably one of the things that they are most susceptible to
Powers said.
Airport security has increased in the years since Sept. 11, so those who haven't flown in a while should be aware of the newest precautions.
Gels, liquids and aerosols more than three ounces are not allowed in a carry-on bag, according to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration. The administration suggests not wearing bulky jewelry, belt buckles or body piercings and not carrying cell phones while going through screening. All can set off the detectors and lead to a pat-down inspection.
Do your homework
The vast majority of students will participate in spring break without a hitch, but preparation can reduce the risk of a dangerous situation.
Anytime you go anywhere that isn't home or the campus area
have an idea of where things are and where the problem areas might be
Mayer said.
The U.S. Department of State provides information and warnings about traveling abroad through its Web site, www.travel.state.gov.
Learn about the environment you are going into and prepare accordingly
