For many sports fans, tailgating before your favorite team’s big event has become an important part of the fan experience. Tailgating allows fans, whether they are attending the game or not, to get together and prepare to cheer on the team. And while the excitement of the day can be unparalleled, getting too rowdy can increase the risk of injury to yourself and to others, impacting everyone’s ability to enjoy the game.
Here, Christopher Clark, M.D., an Emergency Medicine doctor at Henry Ford Health, highlights possible tailgating injuries and what you can do to avoid them.
Understanding Your Risk For Injury While Tailgating
Injuries can happen at any time, but when you are surrounded by large crowds and high energy at a tailgate, the chances of injury and traumas increase. When you add in other factors like the weather and alcohol, the risk only goes up.
“It is no surprise that most injuries that we see in the emergency department are alcohol-related problems,” says Dr. Clark. “Drinking too much can influence your level of awareness to everything going on around you.”
Drinking in moderation can be okay when celebrating your team, but be aware of common injuries that can arise as a result of overconsumption:
- Dehydration
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or loss of consciousness
Drinking too much alcohol may be easier to do when in the company of others, but the consequences of your actions can have devastating effects. Heightened emotions can increase the risk of falls or even violence. Blurred judgement can influence people to drive drunk, which endangers everyone inside and outside the vehicle.
Besides alcohol-related injuries, be aware of other possible tailgating injuries, including:
- Frostbite or sunburn. Tailgating often begins hours before the game, and depending on the time of year or where your favorite team is playing, the weather can increase your risk of injuries.
- Foodborne illnesses. Whether you are bringing dishes to pass or grilling, foods that aren’t cooked to appropriate temperatures or stored properly have the potential to cause gastrointestinal destress by game time.
- Burns. A grill can be a great addition to any tailgate, however, if you aren’t watching it or if your grill isn’t set up properly, you risk burning yourself or others.
- Pedestrian trauma injuries. Not paying attention or getting caught up in the excitement combined with road closures, congested parking lots and busy sidewalks increases your risk for falls or accidents resulting in broken bones and dislocated joints.
Tips For Tailgating Safely
Before you make plans to tailgate the next big sporting event, take precautions to reduce your risk for injuries. Dr. Clark suggests these best practices for tailgating safely:
- Practice proper food safely. Keep food in a properly packed cooler with plenty of ice. When cooking, use a thermometer to make sure items are cooked thoroughly before consuming. If food has been sitting out, discard it.
- Be a conscientious grill master. Set up your grill in a safe area and never leave it unattended while hot. When you are done with it, turn the grill off and clean it properly. Most importantly, bring a fire extinguisher with you and have a fire safety plan.
- Stay hydrated. If you’re planning to make it to the end of the game, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat throughout the day, especially if you are drinking alcohol.
- Monitor your alcohol consumption. If you plan to drink alcohol, moderation is key. “You want to be able to actually enjoy the event with those around you,” says Dr. Clark. He recommends drinking a water for every alcoholic beverage you consume to avoid dehydration.
- Have a plan to get home. “Have a designated driver in your group,” says Dr. Clark. “Don’t rely on being sober enough after tailgating or the game to drive home.” With game traffic and pedestrians to watch out for, it is incredibly unsafe to get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. Consider ridesharing services to get you home safely.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Choose appropriate footwear that keep your feet comfortable during the day. Good shoes will also help you avoid any unnecessary trips or falls.
- Bring a first aid kit. Keep some first aid supplies such as bandages, gauze and antiseptic wipes on hand in case of minor injuries like blisters or scraps. If you injure yourself at or around the stadium or arena, first aid stations are staffed to help you out.
- Pay attention. Be aware of your surroundings throughout the day. Look both ways when crossing the street and check in with those around you often.
Even if you are tailgating safely and are taking all necessary precautions, injuries can happen. If at any point you or someone around you is having a medical emergency while tailgating, call 911.
“Keep in mind that everyone is here to have fun,” says Dr. Clark. “Don’t be the reason that someone else’s tailgating experience is ruined because you aren’t paying attention or keeping your actions under control.”
Reviewed by Dr. Christopher Clark, an Emergency Medicine doctor who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
