Roses? Check. Fancy dinner reservation? Check. Reminders on how to drive safely this Valentine’s Day? With all of Valentine’s madness, we’ve got you covered with our 8 tips for safe driving this holiday! The only thing that says “I love you” more than heart shaped chocolates and balloons is driving carefully. So keep the love in the air and safety on the road.
Don’t Drink and Drive
You may think that a few drinks over a couple of hours means you’re in the clear, but are you? The legal limit varies depending on multiple factors, including height and weight, so it can be hard to know definitively. If you’re considering having a drink with your romantic dinner, practice safe driving by allowing someone else to do it. Opt for a taxi or rideshare instead.
If you have an early start the next day and must drive for it, drink in moderation. Alcohol takes a long time to leave your system. You’d be surprised how many people think they’re fine the following morning, only to be legally over the limit.
Driving to Distraction
Distracted driving: the phrase conjures images of calling or texting on a mobile phone while behind the wheel. While these instances are important to avoid, being on your phone to even turn on a romantic playlist is a hazard. Either ask your date to play DJ or queue up your Valentine’s mix tape before you start driving.
Sharing a kiss at a red light may seem romantic, but anything taking your eyes off the road is dangerous. Wait until you’re fully parked to display your affection, snap a selfie, or admire your stunning date.
Indulging in heart shaped sweeties (or regularly-shaped food and drink) while behind the wheel impacts your reaction times. Fully enjoy the love-themed treats when you’re no longer in charge of the vehicle.
Decorate with Care
Nothing screams Valentine’s Day quite like helium love-heart balloons. While the decor may be a romantic gesture, ensure they don’t obstruct your view of the rearview window or mirror. Nothing kills the love-bug mood like getting pulled over or a collision.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
A romantic getaway or meal on Valentine’s is a cause for increased congestion on the roads. Whether you’re picking someone up or heading to a reservation, leave with plenty of time to spare (even more so than on a normal day). This allows you to enjoy the drive and your Valentine’s company, adhering to the speed limit and arriving in plenty of time.
Don’t Speed
Whether you’ve not given yourself enough time or you’re in heavy traffic, driving over the speed limit and/or aggressively won’t get you there much faster. It’s better to either pull over or have your passenger call the restaurant and inform them you’ll be running late. By giving them a heads-up, the waitstaff will be more likely to push your reservation back until you arrive. If they can’t, you can regroup and come up with alternative plans.
Illegal Parking & Idling Aren’t Ideal
Even if you’re only pulling up to your date’s house for a couple of minutes to pick them up, parking illegally can lead to a fine. Ensure that you’ve parked in a designated zone with your engine off to avoid a ticket. Allowing your car to idle isn’t just bad for the planet, it’s also bad for your wallet.
Dress for the Motorway, Not the Runway
Date night on the most romantic holiday means dressing to the nines. If you’re driving, though, footwear is more important than ever. Though wearing heels or sandals may complete your outfit, they are a more dangerous alternative. Going barefoot to drive isn’t any safer, either. If you can’t play passenger princess (or prince), bring a pair of easy-change and comfortable shoes to wear. No one will know that you drove to the restaurant with your fleece-lined crocs!
Picnic Penalties
A backseat picnic at a scenic location with your loved one is an affordable and memorable way to celebrate Valentine’s. Don’t let this TikTok trend catch you out, though! Be sure to take your keys out of the ignition when not in the driver’s seat. Even in park, keeping the engine on without someone in charge of the vehicle could lead to a fine. Also be sure to check that your scenic spot isn’t on private property. Getting reprimanded for trespassing is the best way to overshadow the evening!
Get in Touch
Armed with our top tips for safe driving this Valentine’s Day, you can flanter (flirty banter) with confidence knowing that nothing says “forever” like arriving at your destination safely. To sweep your partner off their feet in style, check out our range of cars to choose from and get in touch today.