Spring break is on its way. Students on the verge of mental meltdown are about to descend upon warm weather cities in search of a good time.

While a good time will surely be had by yours truly as well, a quick word to the student heading out into the world of beer bongs, keg stands and all that comes part and parcel with the spring break experience.

There will be a desire to party hard and push yourself to the limit. Find the limits but do it in a way that keeps yourself and those around you safe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2009 there were 10,839 alcohol related deaths in alcohol-impaired driving situations.

While this statistic is not that significant in a country of 300 million people, keep in mind that is just of the people who were killed. This doesn’t mention anything about the amount of people who were merely injured in these types of situations.

For those thinking “this doesn’t apply to me,” keep in mind that according to CDC statistics, 1 out of every 3 people killed in an alcohol related car accident were between the ages of 21-24.

If these numbers don’t make you pause, then perhaps thinking about the other victims of these avoidable accidents is something to consider.

Of the nearly 1,400 traffic deaths involving children 14 years or younger, 14 percent of them were a result of an encounter with a drunk driver.

While this is just 181 children, does anyone looking for a good time on spring break want to be the one that potentially kills a child?

The other aspect that needs to be considered is for all you young ladies out there heading out to have a good time. Keep your eyes open and your wits about you.

According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization, college women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than any other age group.

This number goes up dramatically during spring break.

RAINN offers a few tips for young women out on spring break. Number one being, don’t take drinks from strangers. A guy might very well be attractive, but why take the chance?

Outside of that, have a great time and try and get that tan started before you are stuck in class for another month and a half. See you when you get back!