Little 500 weekend is expected to bring large crowds to Bloomington and IU’s campus. The IU Police Department and IU Health said common risks during the weekend include excessive alcohol use, dehydration and navigating crowded environments, encouraging attendees to plan ahead and stay aware.
Drink responsibly
Negative effects of alcohol use are some of the most common risks during Little 500 weekend, particularly at large gatherings and parties. People should avoid consuming multiple drinks in a short period of time, as rapid intake increases the risk of dangerous overconsumption and alcohol-related medical emergencies, Ethan Farmer, an emergency medicine physician with IU Health, said.
Farmer recommended consuming only one drink per hour and eating throughout the day to reduce negative effects. He added that drinking without food or hydration, or mixing alcohol with medications, increases the likelihood of illness or medical emergencies.
“Moderation is your friend,” Farmer said.
Farmer also recommended drinking water consistently throughout the day, advising individuals to regularly consume 8-12 ounces in regular increments rather than waiting until they feel dehydrated.
He said alternating alcohol with water and eating meals helps maintain hydration. Waiting until you feel dehydrated can put the body at a disadvantage and increase the risk of lightheadedness, fatigue and dry mouth.
Know Indiana’s Lifeline Law
Indiana’s Lifeline Law protects individuals who call for medical help during an alcohol-related emergency, as well as the person experiencing the emergency. The law provides limited immunity from certain alcohol-related offenses, including public intoxication and underage possession or consumption.
To qualify for the law, other individuals present must remain at the scene, provide information requested from officers and cooperate with law enforcement. The law does not protect against more serious offenses, including distributing alcohol to minors, operating under the influence or possessing illegal drugs.
IUPD Public Information Officer Hannah Cornett said students and families should keep the law in mind and not hesitate to seek help in an emergency.
Recognize warning signs and stay aware in crowds
Recognizing when a situation becomes serious, particularly in crowded environments, can help prevent life-threatening emergencies.
Farmer said symptoms such as confusion, repeated vomiting or an inability to respond should not be ignored. He said individuals showing these warning signs should not be left alone or told to sleep it off and instead require medical attention.
Cornett encouraged people to look out for one another, while also planning ahead for safe rides home through designated drivers or rideshare services.
Stay safe on roads and use campus safety apps
With increased traffic and visitors expected, Cornett advised both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert and aware of their surroundings. She urged drivers to slow down, follow posted speed limits and avoid distractions, and encouraged pedestrians and cyclists to stay attentive in busy areas.
Cornett also highlighted campus safety tools, including IU Notify, a campuswide emergency alert system that sends notifications about immediate safety threats. Students, and faculty and staff are automatically enrolled, while visitors can opt in by texting "SafeIU" to 77295.
She additionally suggested downloading the Rave Guardian safety app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app provides access to emergency services, IU Notify alerts and a timer that alerts selected contacts if the user does not arrive at a destination by their expected timeframe.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's spring 2026 Little 500 Guide.
