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The months of March and April bring longer days, warmer weather, and large numbers of spring break travelers to the Fort Myers area. Once associated primarily with college students eager to take time off from their studies, spring break now lures visitors of all ages. Unfortunately, the size of the crowds and their desire to cut loose during their stay means an increased risk of personal injuries. Find out the four most common causes.
Factors That Increase Your Risk for Injuries Over Spring Break
Florida remains one of the top destinations for spring break travelers, and the beaches of Fort Myers are no exception. A March 4, 2020 Florida Weekly report claims that hundreds of thousands of college students are expected throughout the months of March and April. Intermingled with these are families and other groups, such as the more than 30 firemen who have been descending on the Lani Kai Island Resort over spring break for the past 40 years.
Enthusiastically soaking up the sun and celebrating the end of winter, these crowds can end up getting quite rowdy. Unfortunately, this makes potentially serious personal injuries more likely to happen. Among the most common causes include:
Overindulgence in Alcohol
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports that drunk driving accidents continue to be a major problem throughout the state, impacting more than 5,000 motorists each year. Driving under the influence also puts pedestrians and bicyclists at risk. Even if you do not get behind the wheel, alcohol impairs your judgment, reflexes, and coordination, making personal injuries more likely to happen.
Being Distracted
Visitors to our area are often overwhelmed by the beaches and all the local attractions. In their eagerness to make the most of their trip, they can easily become distracted. Not paying attention to what they are doing increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes and other types of accidents resulting in personal injuries.
Being Sleep Deprived
Many spring breakers drive all night to get here. Their eagerness to enjoy every moment of their visit can cause them to cut back on their sleep. Too many late nights eventually take a toll on the body. The National Sleep Foundation reports that even getting slightly less than the recommended eight hours of sleep at night can cause many of the same types of impairments as being under the influence, increasing personal injury risks.
Property Owner Negligence
A lack of property maintenance and failure to warn visitors about potential dangers increases the likelihood of accidents. Slippery floors, uneven walkways, a lack of proper lighting, loose fixtures, and not having handrails on stairs or at heights are all common problems.
Reach Out to Our Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney
The reckless actions of others over spring break can leave you suffering serious personal injuries. The Bernardo Law Firm provides the trusted guidance and professional representation you need to hold them responsible. To schedule a consultation, reach out and contact our Fort Myers personal injuries attorney today.