Skimpy swimsuits, no parental supervision and a break from midterms. What’s not to love about Spring Break?

Between last-minute packing of towels and the buzz of midterms, students’ minds are everywhere but on the idea of safety. Officers at the UT Police Department (UTPD) stress the importance of general Spring Break safety when traveling.

Whether you are heading down to Panama City or off on an adventure somewhere else, make sure you keep your cool and maintain a few key rules.

Before you even leave campus, UTPD encourages that you hide unattended items. If keeping a vehicle on campus, hide valuables and make sure none are left in plain sight. Do not leave bicycles unattended outside. If you live in a house or apartment, do not leave curtains or blinds open while away. Actions like those invite bad behavior.

“Pre-Spring Break, some students leave valuable items such as bicycles unsecured,” UTPD Lt. Emily Simerly said. “These are targets for thieves who may prey upon our students. Thieves realize when UT breaks such as Spring Break occur and take advantage that students may be distracted or not present to safeguard their property.”

Once you have housekeeping items squared away, get to know your travel buddies.

Alex Gaddy, a sophomore in political science, encourages all group members to exchange contact information before you leave Knoxville.

“The most important part of Spring Break in terms of preparation is knowing everyone you’re going with and having their numbers,” Gaddy said. “Make sure you know how to get back to where you stay if you leave.”

The open road calls, and the week of March 19-23 will have full roads of other excited college students heading off for Spring Break. Do not risk your life or others. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while traveling.

Police enforcement for speeding and other illegal behaviors will be higher than normal because of increased travel. Always remember to wear your seatbelt. Most of all, enjoy your drive and the carpool company.

Carrying alcohol across state lines can be tricky. It is legal as long as the containers are sealed and out of reach of the occupants. The driver of the vehicle must be over 21 years of age. Also, double check the maximum carry allowed in each state you drive through. The Daily Beacon staff wants you to have fun and be responsible.

If traveling to a foreign country, check the legal drinking age and other applicable laws. If you suspect someone in your group has consumed a dangerous amount of alcohol, help them seek medical attention immediately.

Once you finally reach your destination, take precautionary methods for safety purposes. Keep in mind the power in numbers, so always travel in groups, regardless of your gender. Stay in well-lit and highly populated areas for safety purposes.

“Meeting and interacting with new people is a tradition on Spring Break,” Simerly said. “However, students should be aware of their surroundings and look for ‘red flags’ to identify potentially dangerous situations when dealing with unknown ‘friends.’”

Watch your food and drink to avoid spiking. In general, try to avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Do not sit your drink down anywhere or leave it unaccompanied. Make sure you and your group are constantly aware of your surroundings. Be sure to have fun but always be safe.

Grace Cowles, an undecided sophomore, reiterated the importance of staying with group members at all times.

“Make sure you always stay with someone you know so you don’t get ditched somewhere you aren’t familiar,” said Cowles, who is preparing for her trip to Gulf Shores in Alabama.

No one wants to come home from Spring Break with a police record. And more importantly, everyone wants to come home.