Spring Break. The holiday that’s spent sipping on piña coladas, slipping on a pair of shades while taking in the beaming tropical sun, and parties. Loads and loads of parties.

Whether you take a trip to the frigid Alps, go stroll the sandy beaches of Panama City, or just head back home; we are always susceptible to the dangers that this much anticipated week can bring.

While there are obvious upsides to a week of fun and relaxation, we should still have our guards up when going for a night out in an uncharted area.

According the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, this holiday is the most vulnerable time for college aged students to become victims of sexual assault.

Every year hundreds of thousands of new reports pop up of sexual assault cases that happen during break and the number continues to climb. While we are all allowed the chance to go out and enjoy the break, adding alcohol and a party like atmosphere into the mix could potentially lead your trip to dangerous extremes.

According to recent data conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) more than 690,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.

Although we have heard it repeatedly, when it comes to alcohol consumption, it’s extremely important to know your limits and to never pick up an unattended drink. You alone are responsible for your own safety.The peer pressure may be great, but you should always be cautious.

So fellow Blazers, while we all would like to have fun in the sun without worry in the world be sure to be careful during break. Anything can happen.