With memories of Info Hell homework, bio finals and academic responsibility quickly melting in the hot summer sun — at least for those of us not taking summer courses — it’s time to let down our hair and go a little crazy … isn’t it? Yet we still need to be aware and not totally lose control of our judgment, which could allow the slowest-paced season to get out of control.
While tropical weather and barbecues coax party-goers outdoors, the sight of large groups of socializing young people, beer cans, red plastic cups and raging music tends to attract police. Though it’s natural to want to take the fun outdoors, open containers outside can result in a slew of fines from police, especially if underage drinking is involved.
According to the Eugene Police Department, those of you 21 or over are in the clear if drinking at a private residence or a licensed establishment. But the moment you step onto the sidewalk or into the parking lot of a nearby 7-11, you can be charged with consumption in a public place.
And if one underage person at a party decides to take their drink outside — to check out the neighbors, relieve themselves in the bushes or perform any other act that only makes sense when you’re intoxicated — they’ve just provided probable cause for the dwelling to be entered. Minor In Possession is only the beginning of possible charges, and fines can add up to astronomical amounts, not to mention marring your criminal record.
In this widely proclaimed “party season,” we women especially need to be cautious. Roofies, or the “date-rape drug,” medically named Rohypnol, has been showing up in college communities all over the United States during the past year. This colorless, odorless drug creates a drunken effect within ten minutes of ingestion and results in extreme sleepiness. Alcohol only speeds up this process, and contributes heavily to the amnesia that typically surrounds the 8-hour period after ingesting a roofie.
So girls, while going hot-tubbing, skinny-dipping or for a beer run with your new male “party friend” may seem like an exciting and spontaneous idea, it can also be extremely dangerous. Exercise caution, especially at large parties, where the crowd and noise alone draw people — what your mother would label “strangers” — from who knows where.
The buddy system you used to cross the street when you were 5 really is a smart move. And using common sense — such as not taking drinks from someone you don’t know or trust and not leaving your drink somewhere without watching it — will help keep you out of trouble.
Have you tuned me out yet? Am I starting to sound like your mother, or even worse, reminding you of your grandmother? Just remember to have fun safely this summer. Sure, act a little crazier than normal. Enjoy yourself in ways not always possible during the academic year. But remember to buckle your seat belts while enjoying the ride.
Rebecca Howell is a reporter for the Emerald. Her views do not necessarily represent those of the Emerald. She can be reached at [email protected]