Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, because after all, what isn’t there to love about love? Whether it’s through gifts, flowers, chocolates, or a romantic date, the aim is to show that special someone how much they mean to you. However, as romantic as February 14th may seem, it also comes with its own set of ever-growing dangers that you should be aware of. In this blogpost, we will take a closer look at the dangers of Valentine’s Day, focusing on personal safety while going on dates with strangers as well as the higher incidents of drunk driving on this day.
Going on a date with a stranger can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time. While meeting someone new can be exciting, it’s also important to be mindful of your personal safety and take the necessary precautions to ensure that you are protected. Here are some tips that you can follow to stay safe while going on a date with a stranger:
- Meet in a public place: When going on a date with a stranger, it’s important to meet in a public place at first. This will reduce the risk of any danger, as there will be other people around who can help if anything goes wrong. IF your first date is at a stranger’s apartment, there may be no one to help you if your date turns out to be a creep.
- Get to know them first: Before going on a date with a stranger, it’s important to get to know them a bit first. You can do this by talking to them online or over the phone. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions about their life to gain a better understanding of the type of people they surround themselves with. This will give you a better idea of their personality and help you to determine if they are trustworthy.
- Tell someone: Make sure that you let someone know where you’re going and who you’re going with. This could be a friend or a family member. They should also have your date’s contact information in case something goes wrong (or at least their Tinder profile photo). It’s also a good idea to share your phone’s location if available.
- Drive yourself: If possible, it’s best to drive yourself to the date. This will give you more control over the situation and ensure escape at any moment if you feel uncomfortable. One of the more terrifying dating experiences we heard about is a woman’s date “giving her a ride home”, but driving in the opposite direction of her house…we won’t get into too many details, but moral of the story is to drive yourself.
- Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust your instincts and leave the date. Your safety should always be your top priority and you do not owe your date anything.
Another major danger associated with Valentine’s Day is the spike in drunk driving incidents. On this day, many people celebrate by going out to dinner, attending parties, or just having a drink with their loved one. However, the problem with this is that many people end up drinking too much and getting behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. In fact, drunk driving deaths are 6 times more likely than average on Valentine’s Day. Here are some tips to help you avoid drunk driving on Valentine’s Day:
- Plan ahead: If you know that you’re going to be drinking, it’s important to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or a ride-sharing service. As mentioned above, do not accept a ride from your date…you hardly know them.
- Drink in moderation: If you do decide to drink, it’s important to do so in moderation. You should also drink water in between alcoholic drinks to slow down your drinking and stay hydrated. You still want to be able to act if necessary and if you’re drunk, your agility takes a hit.
- Avoid driving after drinking: If you’ve been drinking, it’s important to avoid getting behind the wheel. You can use a ride-sharing service or take public transportation instead.
Valentine’s Day can be a dangerous holiday if you’re not careful. Whether you’re going on a date with a stranger or celebrating with your loved one, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. By following the tips outlined above, you can reduce the risk of danger and have a safe and enjoyable Valentine’s Day. Remember, your safety should always be your top priority.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving incident, call the Parrish Law Firm for a FREE legal cause evaluation at (571) 229 – 1800.
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