Study Finds Alcohol-Related Crash Risk Rises Sharply on Valentine’s Day

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New analysis shows a measurable increase in alcohol-related and fatal crashes on Valentine’s Day compared with typical days.

A newly published analysis by car accident attorneys at Khamo Law reveals that alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in the United States increase on Valentine’s Day, with fatal collisions rising at an even greater rate compared with the average day of the year.

Key Findings

  • Alcohol-related crashes on Valentine’s Day were approximately 10 percent higher than on a typical day.

  • Fatal crashes increased by about 14 percent, suggesting more severe outcomes on the holiday.

  • Regional differences emerged, with the Northeast showing the largest spike in impaired crashes (around 27 percent) and the West showing no significant increase.

  • Evening hours, especially between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., saw the highest relative surge in alcohol-related crashes, with increases of more than 50 percent over typical daily patterns.

  • Overall crash counts also rose, with an average of over 6,300 total crashes recorded on Valentine’s Day compared with about 5,759 on a typical day.

Why This Matters

“Analyzing more than six million crashes spanning 2022 through 2024 offered a clear picture that the typical celebration of Valentine’s Day comes with elevated risk on the roads,” said the lead researcher. “These patterns were, honestly, a bit surprising and highlight the need for heightened awareness and planning – especially if you plan to celebrate with a night out.” The findings have clear implications for public safety messaging, law enforcement deployment, and personal travel planning. With a measurable uptick in impaired and fatal crashes tied to Valentine’s Day activities, the study underscores how holiday social behaviors intersect with serious traffic risks. Road safety advocates and transportation agencies may use these insights to tailor targeted campaigns in advance of high-risk dates.

Methodology and Sources

The analysis examined more than six million crashes from eight U.S. states (California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Texas), using the most recent three years of available data (2022–2024) to compare crash outcomes on Valentine’s Day versus typical days of the year. View the full study here: https://www.khamolaw.com/blog/study-how-alcohol-related-crash-risk-increases-on-valentines-day/

The study was published by Khamo Law PLLC, a Michigan-based personal injury law firm that works with partners to analyze traffic safety data and raise awareness about crash risks.

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Website: https://www.khamolaw.com/