Frisbees, massage oil and playing cards aren’t items normally associated with personal safety.But the LSU Safety Committee passed out these items and more in Free Speech Alley on Tuesday at the Smart and Safe Spring Break Festival.With phrases like “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” printed onto the Frisbees and the lavender massage oil as part of an abstinence goodie bag complete with a blow pop, the event spread safety messages to students.”Safety is a necessity,” said Dustin Harless, chemistry junior. “It’s weird how people have to think about it.”Michelle Spielman, Office of Communications and University Relations marketing strategist, said several University departments have hosted a safety day in the fall or spring for the past three years.”We thought we’d do it in conjunction with spring break to put the bug in students’ heads to have a good time but also to be smart and safe,” said Maj. Helen Haire, LSU Police Department special services commander.Kathryn Saichuk, Wellness Education coordinator, said though safety isn’t necessarily more of an issue during spring break, some students may party more than usual and participate in high-risk drinking behaviors.”Basically, if they are in the party mode there will be too much alcohol or other drugs consumed in too little time, resulting in toxic alcohol levels in the body,” Saichuk said.Harless said he enjoyed drinking, but he plans ahead.”I have a sleeping bag in my trunk,” he said. “Or if my friends drink, I’ll be designated driver.”However, excessive drinking and all the risks coming with it, such as alcohol poisoning, unprotected sex and embarrassing photos, aren’t the only issues of which the Safety Committee warned students to be aware.”Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the world,” said Brian Ainsworth, assistant vice president of business development for Campus Federal.Ainsworth said he has seen a lot of young people use PIN numbers that are the same or similar to their credit card number.”You need to separate your PIN number from your card,” he said.Other information available for students included brochures on sun and travel safety and body modification.”If you’re going to a foreign country, be aware of what their rules are,” Haire said.Saichuk recommended keeping a “clear head” to avoid harm and promote responsible choices.”Regardless of where you go or what you do during the days off from classes, take care of yourself,” she said.- – – -Contact Victoria Yu at [email protected]