Photo by Connor Moriarty
The following piece, written by the editorial editors, reflects the majority opinion of the editorial board.
It's a familiar scene - students stumbling to and from Uptown, obviously under the influence of alcohol. Girls are wearing short dresses and high heels, boys are wearing sleeveless jerseys and Sperrys, and no one seems to be aware of the dropping temperatures.
Last winter, we saw some of the coldest days in recent memory during the "polar vortex." Despite the well-below freezing temperatures, we were shocked when we saw students defiantly trudging to the bars with bare legs and exposed hands. Parties were still held with hundreds of students standing on lawns in the ice and snow holding drinks and ignoring risks.
As the weather changes, the Editorial Board wants to remind everyone in the community of the risks involved with freezing temperatures.
Last year, a young male nearly froze to death in Oxford after passing out in the snow from consuming too much alcohol. We were alarmed and saddened then, but we're on high-alert this year, and not just for college students.
Colder weather means increased risk of death and injury not just for college students drinking, but also for elderly with weakened immune systems. The average flu that may slow down a young and healthy individual for a few weeks has the power to kill an elderly individual or young child whose immune system is not equipped to handle the illness.
Furthermore, winter weather leads to dangerous road conditions for everyone. While we rush to go to the grocery store or to return home for Thanksgiving or winter break, we put ourselves at a greater risk for a car accident due to icy roads.
We at The Miami Student want to refresh everyone on the risks involved with winter weather, and to prevent any tragedies from occurring this year.
For students choosing to continue to frequent parties and bars in the snow, do not underestimate the importance of wearing an extra layer of clothing. Many bars Uptown offer coat racks or even coat checking services so that customers don't have to wear or carry their coats around all night.
For everyone, keeping your body healthy is vital to ensuring you are able to stay safe this winter. That means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a regular sleep cycle and providing your body with the vitamins it needs.
Perhaps most important is practicing safe driving, especially during the winter months. This past Sunday at least four people died in Lubbock, Texas in car accidents caused by icy roads, and winter is just beginning.
We may think that we're great drivers, especially those of us from snowy areas like Cleveland or New York, but the truth is that ice can cause anyone to crash. Avoiding distractions like texting or phone calls, driving a little slower than normal and driving only when well rested are all simple ways to ensure you're driving only when focused and prepared.
The truth is, we all are somewhat under the impression that we're invincible - that nothing bad could ever happen to us in the bubble of Oxford. No matter how safe we all feel, winter has the ability to sneak up on us and do some serious harm.
We encourage everyone to think before driving, drinking or doing anything reckless during the coming winter months. A small change in our actions, from wearing a thicker coat to ignoring a phone call while we drive to Walmart, can mean the difference between life and death for ourselves and others.