How to be safe during upcoming break
During a challenging semester, students look forward to a break. Some head home for relaxation, while others hit party hotspots. Yet, it is vital to stay mindful of potential incidents, whether in popular destinations or local neighborhoods.
For years, young adults have experienced spring break tragedies, impacting both themselves and those around them. These incidents range from drunk driving accidents to missing persons cases, drownings, shootouts and incarceration.
A student, who wished to remain anonymous, was driving during a previous trip to a local beach party with her friends to celebrate the spring break weekend. The event quickly turned chaotic.
A fight between two young men led to gunshots fired at one of them and into the crowd, just 10 yards away from the student. Fueled by adrenaline, the student and their group scattered, running half a mile away and separating entirely from her initial friends.“Even though you’re on a beach and at a party that’s supposed to be a fun spring break experience, do not count out someone’s ability to be quick to anger and draw a gun,” the student said. “I think I was very naïve to that, now I’m always on alert in large crowds.
“Spring break’s awareness whether it is at the beach, at a party, or just in general is important because it is the difference between life or death,” the student added.
Texas A&M University- Kingsville’s Chief of Police Julian Cavazos urges students to familiarize themselves with safety tips and study them before heading out for the break.
“Have a safety word, stay with friends, make sure to have the buddy system so you’re not alone. If you do get to the point where you can’t do something on your own, someone will get you to safety,” Chief Cavazos said. It is important for students to be aware of the resources in our communities that are willing tooffer guidance before and after a crisis occurrence.
“With Pep Talk we try to educate people in making smart choices during breaks,” Social Justice and Advocacy Eli Graces said. Members of Pep Talk encourage students to participate in the upcoming Tropical Temptations event which will take place on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. This will emphasize safe driving practices and awareness of consent, smoking, drinking and one’s surroundings.
