Students should learn safety protection tips before spring break travels

Spring break is all fun and sun until something bad happens, so the need to know how to be safe is critical to enjoy the break. Spring break is a time of accidents and predators for Dixie State College students, and the need to protect yourself is crucial. When it comes to spring break spots, there are some to avoid. Jessica Merrill, a junior communication major from Logan, said she would avoid anywhere in Mexico. Eric Sly, a junior communication major from Bountiful, agreed with Merrill and said to avoid Mexico. He also said he would stay away from Florida and California. Vicki Baldwin, owner of Main Street Travel, 3 N. Main Street, said: "Some places to avoid would be San Antonio [and] Tijuana; really any of the border cities by Mexico. They aren't safe." If you are planning on going anywhere outside of St. George, Baldwin said there are some tips on staying safe and playing it smart. She said: "Know the laws and follow them. This isn't the United States. Follow the laws and the travel advisories when you travel." When you are in the United States there is also a need to follow the laws as well. If traveling out of state, review that state's laws and be sure to follow them. Knowing the laws and following them is a great way to stay safe, but Baldwin said there are more ways to be careful when traveling for spring break. Baldwin said going in groups with someone accountable is a good idea. "Pick a designated person to be responsible with you and your group," she said. "You can even switch off days. Have someone be accountable one day, then give someone else a turn." Merrill gave the same advice. She said: "All places have that dangerous aspect to them. Plan ahead and stay in groups." Even in the safest spots with someone being accountable, there are always predators that could be lurking. Kailey Esplin, a junior elementary education major from St. George, gave some advice for staying safe. "Most importantly you need to listen to your intuition; listen and trust yourself," Esplin said. "When you're in a group and you feel something is wrong, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself." Esplin said a book called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin De Becker gives seven signals that can lead to potential dangerous situations. Esplin said the seven signals are: Forced teaming: We are in this together.

Charm and niceness: Charm is what we look for, but trying too hard is bad. Too many details: Too much information. Asking too many questions. Loan sharking: Acts like you owe them a favor. Unsolicited promise: Why make a promise to leave? Promises are the most questionable. Discounting "no": Won't take no for anything. Type casting: You're too good to be with me. Trying to be disproved. If you feel something is wrong, be prepared for any danger that can happen. Esplin said: "The key is having a fighting mentality. You can be able to fight, and you will fight if you need to." Once you have a fighting mentality, there are some tricks to know if you do get into a situation where you must fight. Tim Eicher, associate professor of family studies, said: "Move like you drive in St. George. Be on yellow alert, always looking out for signs of danger. If any of the seven signals pop up, be careful and ready to move to red alert." Being on yellow alert all the time is helpful, but it's not all that is needed to be safe. Eicher said, "Knowing what to do in situations helps." There are some places you should attack if you need to, Eicher said. He said: "First go for the eyes; the throat is second. The ears drums are easy to break with a cupped hand smacked to the ear.

Going for the knee is good; a hard stomp to the inside of the knee. Also a hard stomp on the instep of a foot is good too." Ultimately for spring break, have fun, be safe and be smart. Baldwin said: "It's just about being smart and using good sense. Even the safest places aren't safe if you're not smart."