Ohio University

Be smart, be safe for spring break

Feb 25, 2013
By Andrew Powers, chief, Ohio University Police Department

Spring Break should be fun and enjoyable, but it is also a time when students can be vulnerable. Here are a few tips to help plan a safe trip and reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime:
 
When leaving your residence in Athens, be sure to follow the same precautions you followed before winter break. A summary of those tips is available here.

When driving

• Plan a sensible travel schedule and divide the driving among your friends.
• Ensure that everyone has had adequate rest before getting behind the wheel.
• The person riding “shotgun” should stay awake to keep the driver company.
• Everyone should have a valid driver's license and the car should have a valid registration, with proof of current insurance, in the glove box.
• Make sure the car is serviced and inspected before departing.
• Print a copy of the driving route in case your GPS fails or you lose cellular service.

At the hotel

• Check the room and ensure all door locks and window latches work.
• Place valuables out of sight when leaving the room.
• Use the peephole before opening the door and use the chain or other restrictive device when opening the door to a stranger.
• Secure the room before leaving it.
• Get some sleep during spring break; alcohol leaves the body more slowly when you are sleep deprived.

At parties

• Go with friends and leave with friends; plan a safe way home before partying.
• Know and abide by local liquor laws, including the drinking age and laws governing open containers.
• Pace your alcohol consumption, eat high protein food, avoid carbonated mixers, and drink water.
• Avoid drinking alcohol in a hot tub—the hot water exacerbates the effects of alcohol, which can lead to drowning.
• Only drink from sealed containers (individual cans or bottles) or drinks mixed by a legitimate bartender. Don’t leave open drinks unattended, and be alert for the effects of predatory drugs: sudden onset of wooziness or sleepiness, blurred vision, slurred speech, and difficulty balancing.
• If you feel unwell or overly intoxicated, find a friend and go back to the hotel. If you see a friend in an unsafe condition, be a friend and take him/her back to the hotel.

Preventing sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility!

• Set your own boundaries for sexual activity and don’t feel pressured to exceed them. Likewise, respect other people’s boundaries and don’t try to push someone further than they feel comfortable.
• Communicate—say what you mean, mean what you say, and remember that "no" means "no."
• Having sex with someone who is obviously unable to give consent is a crime.