Why Valentine’s Day Is a High-Risk Night for Texas Car Accidents

Valentine’s Day is a time for dinner plans, date nights, and spending time with people you care about. Across Texas, many people head out in the evening to restaurants, bars, concerts, and hotels. With more drivers on the road—and more alcohol involved—the risk of car accidents increases.

Busy traffic, impaired driving, and late-night travel all play a role. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of people are killed in motor vehicle crashes each year, costing billions in damages nationwide. Holidays that involve alcohol and nighttime driving tend to raise those risks even more.

Understanding why Valentine’s Day can be dangerous on Texas roads can help drivers and passengers stay informed—and know what to do if an accident happens.

Why Valentine’s Day Brings More Risk on Texas Roads

Unlike many holidays, Valentine’s Day often falls on a weekday. People go to work during the day and head out at night to celebrate. This creates heavier traffic during evening and late-night hours.

As the night goes on, visibility decreases, drivers become tired, and decision-making can suffer. These factors combine to increase the chance of serious crashes.

Drunk and Impaired Driving on Valentine’s Day

Alcohol is a major factor in many Valentine’s Day accidents. Drinks at dinner or a bar can add up quickly, and some drivers underestimate how impaired they are before getting behind the wheel.

Alcohol slows reaction time and affects judgment, even at lower levels. Texas law enforcement agencies expect an increase in impaired driving on Valentine’s Day and often increase patrols. Still, drunk driving remains one of the biggest dangers on the road during the holiday.

Rideshares and Accident Liability

Many people choose rideshare services to avoid driving after drinking. While rideshares can be a safer option, they are not immune to accidents—especially on busy nights like Valentine’s Day.

Rideshare drivers may work longer hours, rush between trips, or drive in crowded areas late at night. When a rideshare crash occurs, liability depends on several factors, including:

• Whether the driver was logged into the app

• Whether a passenger was in the vehicle

• Who caused the crash

These details matter because insurance coverage can change based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Late-Night Crashes and Shared Responsibility

Many Valentine’s Day accidents happen late at night or early in the morning. Fatigue, speeding, and low visibility all increase the risk of a crash during these hours.

In most cases, responsibility falls on the driver who acted carelessly. Passengers are generally not responsible for a driver’s drinking or poor choices.

Some accidents involve more than one negligent party. For example, a rideshare driver may be hit by a drunk driver. In these situations, liability may be shared depending on what happened and who was at fault.

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What to Do After a Valentine’s Day Crash

If you or a loved one is involved in a crash on Valentine’s Day, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your rights.

• Call 911 and report the accident

• Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries

• Get contact information from witnesses and other drivers

• Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor

• Speak with a personal injury attorney before dealing with insurance companies

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Date Night Crash? Call Shaw.

Valentine’s Day should be remembered for time spent together—not for injuries and medical bills. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash on Valentine’s Day due to someone else’s negligence anywhere in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Ambulance and emergency care

• ER visits and hospital stays

• Surgeries and medical treatment

• Pain and suffering

• Property damage

• Lost wages or missed work

• Wrongful death

• And more

At Carabin Shaw, we understand how quickly a night out can turn into a serious situation. Our team is here to help you understand your options at no cost.

📞 Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 or use our live chat to schedule your free case evaluation. No fees. No obligations. Just clear answers from a firm that puts clients first.

We look forward to serving you.

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See Also:

Safe Driving Tips for Valentine’s Day in Texas