The Gatepost Editorial: Safe travels on spring break

By The Gatepost Editorial Board Spring break is a much-needed time for students to unwind after a draining few weeks of studying for midterms and working on essays during long, cold nights. For many students, it is something to look forward to as the halfway point of the semester. With FSU’s spring break here, it’s important to remember traveling to spring break hotspots can expose college students to risks. Travel has always been a significant part of spring break for those who can afford it. For many students, this is their first time vacationing without their families - whether alone or with friends. This is an important milestone and can help them develop necessary skills, such as problem-solving and budgeting. However, when students travel, especially to distant places such as the Caribbean or even stateside locations such as Miami, their excitement can interfere with their ability to stay safe. Visiting a popular destination you aren’t familiar with can be dangerous. According to security.org, a University of Miami study found there was a higher number of traffic accidents in popular spring break destinations during the typical spring break period. According to the study, traffic-accident fatalities rose 9.1% in those destinations. “More fatalities involved out-of-state drivers, and most of those fatal accidents involved drivers under age 25.” It is important to remain vigilant of those around you who may have been drinking and using substances. Do not get into cars with individuals who may be under the influence. If you choose to consume alcohol, be mindful of your consumption and set limits for yourself. When drinking in public locations, keep a watchful eye on your drink. Many date-rape drugs, used to roofie drinks, are tasteless and odorless - meaning it isn’t easy to tell if a drink has been tampered with. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some common symptoms of being roofied are nausea and vomiting, extreme drowsiness, brain fog, and impaired breathing or speaking. If you suspect you or someone you are with has been drugged, drink lots of water, call emergency services immediately, and do not leave where you are unless absolutely necessary. Be aware of where you are and who you are with to keep yourself and your friends safe. If need be, have emergency funds set aside for Ubers or Lyfts and always stick with your group. When visiting places you are unfamiliar with, it is imperative to stay alert to your surroundings. Many traveling students are vulnerable to becoming victims of crime. Women in particular are often targets of sex crimes while on spring break, whether going to different states or different countries. Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, went missing in the Dominican Republic while on a spring break trip on March 6. According to NBC News, she was traveling with five friends, but went missing after a beach trip when her friends headed back to their hotel without her. She stayed behind with people she met on her trip and has not been seen since. The story has shocked students and their families across the country and the search for her has just surpassed one week as the world looks on. The Gatepost Editorial Board hopes answers are provided soon for Konanki’s friends and family. Unfortunately, cases like Konanki’s are not unique. To mitigate risks when you are traveling alone, be sure to inform your friends and family of where you plan to be and when you will be traveling. It could be helpful to have someone text you to check in throughout the trip to ensure you are safe, or to share your phone’s location with someone to keep track of where you go. Traveling exposes you to amazing experiences and isn’t something you should shy away from - but if you travel, you need to be safe. Have fun - take part in the excitement and enjoy your independence. Just remember to be vigilant and look out for each other.