Planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this weekend with that special someone?

AAA encourages Michigan drivers to keep safety at the heart as well as romance.

As more couples go out for dinners, parties and late-night outings due to Valentine’s Day falling on the weekend, officials expect an increase in dangerous driving behaviors, AAA advised.

“A Saturday holiday is likely to bring heavier traffic, more celebrations, and a higher risk of impaired and distracted driving,” Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman for AAA — The Auto Club Group, said in a news release. “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.”

From last-minute dinner reservations to crowded parking lots and unfamiliar destinations, Valentine’s Day often creates the perfect storm for distracted driving. 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 states in the release.

AAA encourages drivers to —

— Program the GPS before leaving;

— Ask a passenger to help with directions;

— Slow down in busy areas;

— Silence notifications; and

— Pull over safely if you need to send a message.

With Valentine’s Day on a Saturday, alcohol consumption is expected to rise as more couples head out and stay out later. 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.

A DUI arrest in Michigan can exceed $10,000 in fines, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums. The far-greater cost is the potential for a preventable fatal crash. National data shows that 34 people die in drunk driving crashes every day — one person every 42 minutes.

AAA recommends planning ahead by —

— Designating a sober driver;

— Using rideshare or taxis; and

— Considering staying overnight if alcohol is part of your plans.

“Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure everyone gets home safely,” Woodland added. “A safe ride home ensures your night ends on a high note.”

For more safety information, download the AAA Mobile app, go online to AAA.com and follow AAA on social media.