Austin, Texas, is world-renowned for its vibrant live music scene, including Austin City Limits, drawing in some of the biggest names in music and hosting massive concerts.
Each year in the U.S., 32 million people attend one or more music festivals. As a result of the growing popularity of festivals throughout the country, live music venues in Austin are attracting bigger and bigger crowds.
However, attending these concerts can come with risks. Alcohol use, exposure to weather, and risky behavior like crowd diving and crowd surges can lead to serious injuries.
To help you stay safe, here are the typical injuries that happen at music festivals and some tips on how you can reduce your chances of getting hurt.
What are the common types of concert injuries?
If you’re planning on attending ACL, you could be at risk of slipping, getting caught in a crowd surge, getting trampled, or even breaking bones.
Attending outdoor music concerts has been linked with a higher chance of getting injured and, in rare cases, death. One study found that over a period of 10 years, 232 individuals lost their lives and nearly 70,000 were seriously injured at various outdoor music venues around the world.
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce your chances of getting hurt at these events.
How can you stay safe in a crowd surge?
Crowd surges usually begin when a crowd collectively rushes toward the stage. This creates the potential for someone to be compressed between other people or against barriers, leaving them unable to breathe.
To avoid getting caught in a crowd, stick to the less crowded areas of the venue, such as standing near the back or the side where there is less foot traffic.
If you find yourself in a crowd surge, avoid pushing back on those behind you and instead leave the crowd by moving to the left or right side.
Always keep track of your exits, maintain a safe distance from others, and be aware if an artist’s fanbase has a history of reckless behavior.
How can you avoid violent behavior in a crowd?
In some concerts, fans may be eager to push past security to get as close to the stage as possible. In the rush of excitement, people can get injured when they are knocked down and potentially trampled.
It is also common for some individuals at festivals to consume alcohol or illegal drugs believing that it will enhance their experience. Such behavior can result in severe intoxication, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or death. Fights and poor decision-making are usually linked to substance abuse, which can lead to injuries.
To ensure your safety, be aware of the crowd’s energy around you. If you notice that fans are becoming aggressive, move away from that area. Participating in activities like crowd-surfing, sitting on shoulders, and dancing in the mosh pit may seem fun, but they can also result in sprains, broken bones, and other injuries.
How can you be ready for a medical emergency?
It’s essential to know where an on-site first aid area is located at a music venue.
Consider your medical conditions. For example, if you suffer from asthma, stay away from barricades and tight crowds that could obstruct your breathing. Medical treatment may also be required if you experience smoke inhalation, dehydration, or excessive sun exposure.
Failure to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays can lead to exhaustion, sunburn, seizures, and other heat-related injuries.
For optimal safety, we recommend attending concerts with a friend or a group. If you go with a group, decide on a meeting point in case someone gets lost or injured. Also, remember to fully charge your phone before heading to the event so you can call someone in an emergency.
Remember These Tips to Stay Safe at ACL
To have a good time at an Austin City Limits concert, be aware of your surroundings. Even though a crowd might be energetic, try not to get swept up in congested areas. Be careful of other fans who push their way to the front — this could cause a dangerous surge and lead to injuries or fatalities. Take note of where the nearest first aid stations are in case of an emergency. By following these tips, you can safely enjoy any music event.
If you have been injured at an Austin concert, consult with a personal injury lawyer to better understand your legal options.
Want a Chance to Win Tickets to ACL?
Imagine being a part of one of the most anticipated music festivals Texas has to offer. Here’s your chance!
Daniel Stark is giving one lucky winner a chance to experience live performances by artists like Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, and Kehlani. Enter to win two tickets to Weekend Two of the ACL Festival!
Entering is simple. Just visit DanielStark.com and fill out your information before the deadline, September 26.
Good luck, and we hope to see you at ACL!
