Spring Break is a great time to relax, take a break from classes and to enjoy your week. Safely, of course.

We have heard the stories. The insanity that goes down during spring break trips. Partying, excessive drinking and sexual assault are just a few examples of unsafe situations common to typical spring breaks.

Whether or not you are traveling anywhere, your safety is important. You should also have some fun, but your safety should be your top priority. That can be hard to maintain, though.

Going out, especially at night, can be dangerous. If you drink too much, your judgement is impaired, which means that you can end up doing regretful things or getting into a bad situation. Drunk driving and sexual assault are just two examples of what can happen if you and others are not careful.

Take care of yourself and your body. Don’t drink too much, especially if you will be driving. Stay hydrated and alert when you are out. A common rule to follow is a glass of water between every drink. Make sure you have some knowledge of the areas you will be in so that you can be aware of how to escape if something goes wrong.

Partying is not necessarily a bad thing to do, but it can lead to some bad consequences if you’re not careful. All the dancing and drinking you do won’t matter if you end the night in a dangerous way.

If you will be partying, make sure you take some precautions. Bring a friend with you. Never leave any drink unattended.

If you will be driving anywhere, keep your attention on the road. If you or anyone else will be drinking, select a designated driver or make sure you have some other form of transportation home.Your safety is always important, no matter what you are doing.

Spring break gets a bad reputation, thanks to the movies and television. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you feel uncomfortable with going out, don’t. Spend your break how you like, but keep on guard when it comes to your safety.