• 15
  • February
    2012

The Florida Keys have a new distinction according to CoedMagazine.com - the city is home to the trashiest spring break. Other Florida cities such as Miami, Fort Myers and Daytona Beach also made the magazine's list.

In some ways, making the trashiest list is the least of the worries for law enforcement officers and local officials. A large concern surrounding the influx of spring break tourists is the increase in drinking and driving and car accidents on Florida roads throughout the spring break season.

For many college age students, traveling to Florida for spring break is a rite of passage. The days are spent lounging poolside or at the beach, drinking copious amounts of alcohol. Preventing reckless drinking and driving is a huge priority for leaders in cities frequented by a large number of students on spring break.

Florida Highway Patrol has released general safety tips for all travelers taking a trip to the spring break destinations throughout the state:

  • Follow the posted speed limits that are strictly enforced by law enforcement
  • Use wipers and headlights when it rains
  • Understand Florida's drinking laws - you must be 21 to drink, purchase or possess alcohol
  • Do not possess an open container in a vehicle

In general, the FHP reminds all vacationers that it is illegal for anyone under 21 to drive or control a vehicle with a BAC of .02. Visitors are encouraged to avoid all drinking and driving to limit the risk of a serious or fatal Florida car accident.

Source: Miami Herald, "Key West and Miami Beach ranked among 'trashiest' Spring Break destinations," Hannah Sampson, 2/8/2012