Candy hearts, candle-lit dinners and dangerous driving are forecasted this Valentine’s Day. AAA wants motorists to know that the most romantic gesture on Saturday is prioritizing safety.
“A Saturday holiday is likely to bring heavier traffic, more celebrations, and a higher risk of impaired and distracted driving,” explained Montrae Waiters, a spokeswoman for AAA, “If your evening includes drinks or you know the night will be busy and distracting, plan your ride ahead of time.
A little preparation goes a long way in protecting the people you care about.”
Survey results released by YouGov this week showed that a plurality of Americans (45%) said they did not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, while more than one third said they would celebrate the love-focused holiday. While 21% said they planned to go out, 17% said they planned to have a meal at home.
With a higher percentage Americans saying that they enjoy Valentine’s Day less than a normal day than the percentage who enjoys it more (22% to 16%), there may be testy drivers on the road. AAA also noted that Valentine’s Day can come with a fair share of surprises, including last-minute reservations and crowded parking lots. In some parts of the country snow and ice are still on the ground from wild winter storms that hit the nation recently, making roads even more precarious than usual.
“According to NHTSA, more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2023. Even a quick glance at a phone to check a message or confirm a reservation can lead to a serious or fatal crash,” AAA said.
As with any celebration, alcohol is often on the menu for Valentine’s Day celebrations, AA added. That too makes the risk of traffic accidents greater.
“Weekend holidays historically see higher rates of impaired driving, and AAA warns that getting behind the wheel after drinking can turn a romantic evening into a costly and dangerous mistake,” AAA noted.
To stay safe amid the Valentine’s Day risks, AAA encourages drivers to do the following:
· Program their GPS before leaving for their destination, not while moving
· Ask passengers to help with directions if needed
· Slow down in busy areas, even if trying to get to a reservation on time
· Silence notifications while driving, even if partners are sending cute texts
· If needed, motorists should pull over safely if you need to send a message
· Drive sober or take ride share or taxi
· Consider plans to stay overnight if alcohol is part of the Valentine’s Day plans
“Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure everyone gets home safely,” Waiters said. “A safe ride home ensures your night ends on a high note.”