Spring break is here, and people across the U.S. are soaking up the sun at pool parties, beaches, and bars. While some destinations are known for their popularity, a new trend is emerging – travelers are seeking out the safest spots. And when it comes down to it, San Diego takes the top spot as the safest spring break destination.
Why is San Diego the safest spring break destination
Popular destinations have built a reputation based on fun activities that people enjoy while on spring break. However, often times, these places also come with high risk, such as DUI crashes, alcohol-related injuries, and drowning incidents. The concern over these risks has increased lately, which we can see from recent internet data – searches for ‘spring break travel warning’ is up over 300%.
A recent study by a personal injury law firm ranked the safest and most dangerous spring break destinations in the U.S. They evaluated DUI incidents, fatal accidents, and water-related hazards to determine the biggest risks. While some cities present significant dangers, San Diego emerges as the #1 safest spring break destination, thanks to its low DUI rates, strong pedestrian safety measures, and well-regulated nightlife scene. Are we proud, or what?
Study breakdown
Our city was named the safest with an overall risk index of 3.20. It ranked number 1 in DUI safety and number 4 in pedestrian safety. It also scores number 2 in hit-and-run risks, and number 3 in drowning incidents. Unlike party-heavy destinations, the controlled nightlife scene, bike-friendly infrastructure, and low crime rates (ranking number 4 for homicide risk), reassure people that San Diego is a safe choice for their spring break.
Other California destinations followed in this top, with Lake Tahoe coming in 6th place, and L.A. in 9th.
However, Palm Springs and Bear Lake are at the opposite end of the list, occupying the 14th and 16th spot when it comes to the safest spots for spring break.
The top 3 most dangerous places, looking at the criteria mentioned above, are all in Florida: Daytona Beach, Panama City Beach, and Naples.
*The study collected the data from cdc, census.gov and nhtsa.gov.