Spring break is a welcome release of the tensions of college studies for many American students. Many students head to warm climates with swim suits and close friends, and look forward to a week of music, dancing and fun. Unfortunately, the combination of teen impulsivity, alcohol, poor judgment and lack of adult supervision can end in tragedy. In March three Houston teenagers were killed when their car crossed a median line, overcorrected and lost control. The driver was looking at her phone, which she was using as a GPS device when the accident occurred.

Distracted driving is only one danger associated with the annual spring break ritual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a list of high-risk behaviors that are often implicated in accidents caused by teenagers on vacation. These include:

• Drugs and alcohol
• Driver Fatigue
• Misuse of seatbelts and airbags
• Driving on unfamiliar roads
• Speeding

According to the CDC, drunk drivers kill someone every 31 minutes. Spring break parties are notoriously saturated in alcohol, so telling teens not to drink at their spring break parties is not particularly practical. However, parents can and should stress to their teen drivers and passengers that drinking and driving is a fatal mix, and that there is no safe amount they can drink prior to getting behind the wheel.

In addition to the above driving hazards, parents should speak to the their spring break goers about other health and safety issues such as swimming responsibly, practicing safe sex and avoiding violence, vandalism and other irresponsible behavior.

Vacation with friends can be great fun, but there is nothing fun about the aftermath of a fatal accident. Most young drivers are not aware of what steps they need to take immediately following an accident. The car accident attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath have a checklist to help drivers keep track of details and information. If you or a family member has been involved in an accident, you may be able to collect money for lost wages, hospital bills and other costs. Contact us at 561-665-1990 or online to make an appointment for your free consultation.