Special report from Greenwood High School: Students advised about Spring Break safety

Editor’s note: The City Wire invited journalism students from Greenwood High School to obtain real-world reporting experience by researching, writing and contributing stories to The City Wire. The following story is the first of six planned stories from the participating GHS students. Story topics planned include packed school facilities, “Spirit” at the square, and a look at “Senioritis.”

story by Erika Lindsay and Randi, Greenwood High School students

Many high schools and universities are urging students to be extra careful when going on spring break trips, especially if traveling below the border.

In recent years, criminal activity related to drug wars between Cartels and the Mexican government has created an unsafe environment in some parts of Mexico. U.S. citizens have been kidnapped or murdered. Many Web sites urge U.S. citizens to only travel on roads during daylight hours. Travelers are also urged to check with their cell phone provider to make sure the service will be available along routes traveled in Mexico.

“I would definitely say no, and definitely not Mexico because of the police and the drug cartels. Also, there have been hundreds of shooting-related deaths, even the government has been recommending kids not to go (to Mexico) during spring break,” said Josh Lindsay, a police officer with the Rialto, Calif., police department. Rialto is a suburb east of Los Angeles.

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith sent an e-mail to its students with a link to a Web site that gave information on how to stay safe while traveling to other countries.

“Don’t go to Mexico,” Officer Mike McCaslin, a Greenwood High School resource officer, advised.

No matter where they choose to go on spring break, students are urged to always follow simple safety procedures.

Joseph Watkins and Thomas Hunt, sophomores at Greenwood High School, recommend using a buddy system, be sure to know the surroundings, always have supervision and wear a seatbelt when traveling. Also, always stay with a tour guide or chaperone when in an unfamiliar area.

When in an unfamiliar place, it is always best to go out in groups. A cardinal rule in spring break travel is this: If you go out with your friends, stay with them. This will eliminate a lot of the risk of getting into trouble or getting lost. If on a cruise ship, always stay with friends and watch out for pick pockets.

When asked how he would caution party goers, Lindsay said, “The biggest thing would be to limit the alcohol intake, make sure you are in control and aware. People should stay in groups, girls don’t wonder off by themselves, and don’t allow themselves to be put in a situation that would cause them harm.”

Continuing, Lindsay noted: “As you bond with your friends and have the time of your life, be sure to enjoy your trip to the fullest, but always stay safe.”

Other tips for safe travels include:
• If traveling out of the country, research the destination before leaving.
• Learn about the best and safest resorts and tourist attractions.
• Know all of the areas with high criminal activity near your Spring Break destination and steer clear of them.
• Always dress conservatively. Don’t wear or carry expensive jewelry or anything that may appear valuable.
• Candace, a student at Greenwood High School, says to watch out for people drinking in foreign countries because some countries have no age limit on alcohol consumption.

Link here to a Feb. 20 Mexico travel alert from the U.S. State Department.