Texas Longhorns college football games are a fun and memorable time for current students, alumni of the respective university, and football fans to cheer on their team and celebrate school pride across the nation. The University of Texas at Austin tailgates are known for their vibrant and eccentric gameday atmosphere with food, music, and celebration.
But with the energy and traditions that come with all the tailgating festivities, it’s very important to prioritize safety. Brad Bonilla, an Austin personal injury lawyer, states that taking a few precautions can prevent common tailgating injuries at a Texas Longhorns game. Here’s a guide of reminders and safety tips to making the most of your tailgating game-day experience without endangering your safety.
Drink Responsibly
Alcohol is a huge factor in the tailgating culture and often leads to heavy intense drinking. Too much drinking can lead to an increased risk of injuries and other reckless decisions. These reckless decisions can lead to risky activities, like climbing and jumping from vehicles and tables, possibly leading to an injury.
For those who have trouble trying to maintain moderation, options like an alcohol detox may be beneficial in developing safer drinking habits. Making sure to drink responsibly and pace yourself is very important. Be mindful of your drinking and look out for your friends, especially if anyone starts engaging in suspicious and risky behavior.
Think twice before participating in any risky activity that could be hazardous, especially if it involves climbing and jumping from heights or physical stunts. Practicing good and controlled drinking keeps the tailgating festivities enjoyable. It helps avoid injuries from falls, burns, head injuries, lower body injuries, and any other accidents.
Hydrate
Drinking alcohol along with the Texas heat can greatly dehydrate you, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. To avoid these, make an effort to drink water regularly throughout the tailgate and during the game.
Always aim to drink water and your alcoholic beverages and find a good balance. Proper hydration prevents more severe effects of dehydration, like heat exhaustion and any serious heat-related injuries. Try bringing electrolyte-packed sports drinks, such as Gatorade, Propel, or Powerade, to replenish any lost fluids, especially during long tailgate sessions under the sun.
Wear Sunscreen and Protect Your Skin From The Sun
The Texas sun can be intense, especially during a full day of outdoor tailgating festivities. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to avoid sunburns and long-term skin damage, such as skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a recommended SPF 50 or higher before heading out and being exposed to the sun.
Remember to try and reapply the sunscreen every two hours, especially in the case that you’re sweating or wiping your face. Applying sunscreen to areas like your ears, neck, and the top of your feet can sometimes be forgotten and overlooked.
For additional sun protection, wear sun sleeves for your arms, a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and gaiters to protect any other part of your body. Staying mindful of sun protection keeps you comfortable throughout the day and reduces the risks associated with damaging sun exposure effects such as sunburns and skin damage.
Watch Out for Crowd Surges and Rowdy Fans
The excitement of a Longhorn game day can lead to crowded areas and fans getting excessively rowdy, especially when alcohol is involved. Moving carefully and staying aware of your surroundings can help avoid trips and falls. Crowd surges, especially before and after a big Longhorn game can lead to injuries and sometimes be deadly. Being aware of crowd surges and knowing what to do is essential to prevent injuries and further consequences.
Be Careful Jumping on Vehicles or Other Structures
Climbing on trucks or tables is a dangerous and common tailgate habit which can lead to serious injuries and falls. Keep the activities on the ground and discourage your friends and other individuals from climbing on structures that are not meant for standing.
Watch Out Around Grills and Open Flames
Grilling and cooking is a classic tailgating activity. However, grills and open flames bring fire risks. Use a stable grilling surface and keep children and pets at a safe distance. You should always carry a fire extinguisher or a container of water close to you. Drinking alcohol around the open flames requires extra safety. Staying alert and aware is key to avoiding accidents.
Have Safe Set-Ups
Make sure all equipment, such as tables, tents, or grills, is firmly secured on the ground. Tents caught in gusts of wind or unstable tables can cause accidents that could have been easily avoided. These include spills and other body injuries. Always keep grills at a safe distance from flammable materials. These practices are essential for avoiding fire injuries and hazards.
Watch Out for Pedestrian Traffic
Tailgating usually happens in parking lots or around busy roads. Make sure you are cautious when crossing areas where cars are still moving. Drivers may have limited visibility, and with the excitement of tailgating, it can be easy to forget that not everyone is paying attention to walking pedestrians.
Have a First-Aid Kit
Even with good safety practices, accidents can still occur. Ensuring that a small first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, ice packs, and antiseptic wipes, can come in handy for minor injuries and keep the tailgating festivities rolling.
Have a Meeting Area
With the size of crowds at the Longhorns games, getting separated from your group of friends or family is very common. Make sure everyone in your group has a safe meeting point. This can help avoid any confusion or stress if anyone gets lost in the crowd or needs help.
Be Safe and Have Fun
Tailgating is about creating great memories with friends, family, and other fans. By following these safety tips, your tailgate experience at a University of Texas at Austin game will be fun, memorable, unforgettable, and exciting. It will come without the worry of being unsafe and risking injuries.
After all, small preparation goes a big way on good times and cheering on the Longhorns. Remember to practice safety.
