Whether you take to the sky or hit the road there are two words students have been waiting to hear all semester.
"Spring break!" said an excited Courtney Carameros on Baylor's campus.
But spring break can be a dangerous time to travel. Baylor student Abby Mcanany survived a major car crash just last week.
"It's definitely made me more aware about just being safe on the road and making sure that you take all the precautions," she said.
With more people traveling long distances, more accidents like Abby's could happen. That's why DPS plans to beef up its staff: 50 percent more troopers on the road March 8-17.
"Mainly we're concerned about colleges," said DPS Trooper D.L. Wilson.
They say that's because college is the time many young people experiment with alcohol. And the break from school means ever fewer limits.
"I feel like a lot of college students just use it as an excuse to go get wasted on the beach," said student Hallie Hoffman, who is going to a mission trip instead.
"They seem to want to drink and drive. And that's one of our major problems that we have during that period," Wilson agreed.
Last spring break DPS arrested 1,000 people for drunk driving. They gave out 940 speeding tickets and 1,500 for seat belt violations. Not a great vacation memory.
"We come away glad with some of the decisions we make, unlike some of the people we know," recalled Mitchell Frank, who says he does not plan to party over the break.
And where you go matters. DPS says to stay away from border towns where drug violence is rampant.
"We wouldn't want our citizens of Texas to get caught up in that mayhem and it's happening every day down there," he said.
Abby says she hopes people obey the laws. So others don't get hurt.
"I think a lot of people are aware of them they just think 'oh it won't happen to me.'"
Another major problem during spring break is when people drive while they're tired. If you're on a long trip and feel tired, pull over and nap before continuing on your way.
For more information about traveling to Mexico visit the State Dept. website
