Keep Your Date Safe This Valentine’s Day

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on February 14, 2020

On February 14^th, anyone who has a partner knows it is time to do something to make that person feel special. It’s the one day each year to celebrate love. A funny thing about love is that emotions can run high – and when emotions are negative, expressed while operating a vehicle, everyone sharing the road is put at risk. Valentine’s day last year saw the highest number of accidents on a single day for the entire year, so we want to make sure everyone pay’s extra attention to safety this new year.

The Risks of Driving Around on Valentine’s day

Holidays, and especially Valentine’s day, tend to have the highest incidence of accidents on the road for many reasons, including:

• High numbers of drivers on the road going to restaurants, or other activities, resulting in heavier traffic
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol
• Added distraction from text messages and phone calls
• Stress and anxiety turning into road rage
• The stress of making it to a loved one on time while stuck in traffic, leading to aggressive driving behavior.

Furthermore, when accidents happen on days where drivers may already be stressed by heavy traffic, it can lead to a situation in which drivers who typically drive safely may take risks to avoid the traffic created by an accident.

Statistics

The statistics involved in Arizona crashes will give you an idea of what to expect on the road and how to keep yourself safe:

• Both the total crashes and fatal crashes in Arizona have been steadily on the rise, with 127,056 crashes and 916 fatal crashes – the highest in the last ten years.
• Most crashes (68%) occurred off Arizona’s freeways
• Of the 1,010 individuals killed in an auto accident last year, 281 were killed in speed-related accidents
• While 90% of Arizona drivers wear their seatbelts, roughly 25% of all individuals killed in Arizona auto accidents weren’t wearing seatbelts
• Arizona has seen a steady decrease in alcohol-related crashes, with almost 2,000 fewer than in 2009

Tips to Keep You and Your Date Safe This Valentine’s Day

Keeping yourself and those you love safe this Valentine’s day should be a priority, and here are some tips we’ve put together for safety. While many of them may sound “obvious” read them with fresh eyes, and consider if you’ve actually been following these guidelines recently:

• Ensure that you and all passengers wear a seatbelt
• If you and your partner plan to drink alcohol, prepare a safe ride in advance – Uber, Lyft, and other options are available
• Don’t drive while distracted – no texting
• Give yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go
• If you can, get to your locations and stay for the night

When Need a Lawyer

If you or your loved ones are injured in an auto accident this Valentine’s day, the Husband and Wife Law Team™ at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., is here to help. Mr. Mark Breyer is a certified specialist in Phoenix personal injury law, which is an honor only earned by  less than 2% of Arizona attorneys. We fight vigorously to protect the rights of our clients and do anything we can to help you recover from the stress and trauma of an accident.