Mardi Gras Safety Tips

Fat Tuesday is swiftly approaching. Floats have been constructed and candies,doubloons and other festive trinkets are being gathered for distribution. However, with all of the fun that the holiday brings, college Mardi Gras revelers must remain cautious.
Always Buckle Up. Beginning with the trip to the parade – and on every trip, short or long – make sure that everyone in the car is buckled up. Safety belts are your best defense against drunk drivers. Let’s face it, during Mardi Gras, there’s a good chance someone on the road with you may be driving after having had too much to drink.
Don’t drink and drive. Irresponsible drinking leads to drunkenness and those who have become drunk tend to believe that they are alert enough to operate a vehicle. This is a very common rule: If you must consume alcohol, it would be best to designate a driver. Parade traffic often requires the patience and alertness that a person under the influence of alcohol does not possess. Designating a non-drinking driver is the smartest and safest way to go.
Child safety. Mardi Gras does not have to be fun for adults only, but it can also be a family holiday. When young children participate in the festivities, it is important that their safety is first priority. Children should be with their guardians at all times. Usually, police “blue lights” are set up at each corner along parade routes as a designated area for lost children.
Dress appropriately. When engaging in the festivities, dress is also a factor. It is in one’s best interest to refrain from wearing expensive clothing and accessories. Theft and assault is common in massive crowds. Be aware of those around you. It is not impossible to be attacked for the clothing you are wearing.
Float safety. It is very possible to get wrapped up in the excitement of competiting for trinkets, but be careful to remain aware enough not to run in front of or reach under a float or truck in efforts to grab a handful. No trinket is worth injury or a life.
Drink non-alcoholic beverages. There is enough entertainment in the air at Mardi Gras, so why not stick to non-alcoholic drinks.
Establish a meeting place. As soon as you choose where you will stand for the parade and before anyone in your group goes anywhere, identify a nearby landmark as a meeting place – a building, street corner or other easily found location. If anyone gets separated from your group, they should go immediately to the meeting place and stay there.
Stay with the crowd. When walking or driving, unfamiliar streets can sometimes be dangerous. It is always best to stay with the crowd.
If tips are kept in mind, the holiday should be most enjoyable. Happy Mardi Gras!