A new analysis from Suzuki Law Offices highlights a surprising and troubling trend on America’s roads. Valentine’s Day, a holiday associated with affection and celebration, consistently brings a measurable rise in fatal crashes. The firm’s study, which draws on federal crash data and original survey findings, points to a powerful and often overlooked factor behind the uptick. Emotional distraction, especially when triggered by music, plays a significant role in making February 14 one of the more dangerous winter days to drive.
The findings reveal a clear pattern. Fatal car accidents are 4 percent more likely on Valentine’s Day compared to the average day in the United States. That increase may seem small at first glance, but the underlying data shows that emotional distraction is a major contributor to the risk. The study identifies a combination of heightened holiday stress, emotionally charged music, and demographic differences that together create a perfect storm for unsafe driving.
A Five Year Look at Valentine’s Day Fatalities
Suzuki Law Offices analyzed five consecutive Valentine’s Days from 2019 through 2023 using FARS data. Across those five holidays, there were 405 crash fatalities. The numbers fluctuate year to year, but the trend is unmistakable.
The study highlights that 14 of those fatalities were caused by drivers who were inattentive or lost in thought, a number that stands out sharply when compared to the rest of February. Over the same five year period, 61 February crash fatalities were attributed to emotional distraction. Valentine’s Day alone accounted for nearly a quarter of them.
A closer look at emotional distraction fatalities on Valentine’s Day shows the following breakdown:
- 2019: 2
- 2020: 6
- 2021: 1
- 2022: 4
- 2023: 1
The year 2020 stands out for two reasons. It recorded the highest number of Valentine’s Day fatalities overall at 101, and it also saw 12 emotionally distracted February crash deaths, half of which occurred on the holiday itself.
Emotional Driving Is More Common Than Many Realize
The study also incorporates findings from a March 2025 national survey that sheds light on how often Americans experience strong emotions behind the wheel. According to the survey, 62 percent of Americans have cried in their car. The gender split is striking. 47 percent of men reported crying while driving, compared to 76 percent of women.
Age also plays a role. The percentage of respondents who said they had cried in their car breaks down as follows:
- 18 to 29: 54 percent
- 30 to 44: 61 percent
- 45 to 64: 71 percent
- 65 and older: 57 percent
Race and region show additional variation. By race:
- White: 66 percent
- Black: 48 percent
- Hispanic: 62 percent
By region:
- Northeast: 58 percent
- Midwest: 62 percent
- South: 59 percent
- West: 68 percent
Political affiliation also surfaced as a differentiator. Among those who voted in the 2024 presidential election, 73 percent of Kamala Harris voters and 59 percent of Donald Trump voters said they had cried in their car.
One of the most important findings is that 11 percent of Americans say they are likely to cry in their car while listening to sad music. That detail becomes critical when paired with research showing how emotional states affect driving performance.
Emotions Multiply Crash Risk
The study cites research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which found that drivers experiencing strong emotions are ten times more likely to crash than calm drivers. Emotional drivers are more likely to:
- Miss hazards such as slowing traffic or debris
- React too slowly to avoid danger
- Make risky maneuvers such as sudden lane changes
- Feel detached from their surroundings
These behaviors contribute to the 400,000 distracted driving crashes reported in 2024, many of which involved rear end collisions, sideswipes, or lane change incidents.
Music is a major factor in this emotional landscape. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in vehicle distractions such as music account for 25 percent of traffic accidents. The Suzuki Law Offices study highlights how certain types of music can intensify emotional distraction and increase crash risk.
The Role of Music in Valentine’s Day Driving Risks
Research from London Metropolitan University found that songs with a tempo above 120 beats per minute can cause drivers to increase their speed by 10 to 20 miles per hour, break speed limits, and switch lanes abruptly. High energy songs, nostalgic tracks, and emotionally charged lyrics all increase cognitive load and reduce attention.
The study notes that 60 percent of drivers say music affects their driving style. Another study from University College London found that songs with lyrics can reduce a driver’s ability to concentrate on complex tasks by up to 25 percent compared to instrumental music.
Suzuki Law Offices compiled a list of 125 emotionally charged songs and identified the ten most dangerous for emotional drivers. These tracks combine high BPM counts with intense emotional content, making them especially risky for drivers already feeling stressed or sentimental.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the study also highlights ten emotional songs under 80 BPM that are less likely to trigger speed increases. These include tracks like “River” by Joni Mitchell at 59 BPM and “Without You” by Harry Nilsson at 65 BPM. Even so, the study emphasizes that slower songs can still provoke tearfulness, which is itself a distraction.
Why Valentine’s Day Is Different
The study’s conclusion is clear. Valentine’s Day creates a unique emotional environment. People are more likely to be stressed, nostalgic, or upset. They are more likely to listen to emotional music. They are more likely to be distracted by thoughts about relationships, expectations, or loneliness. All of these factors combine to create a measurable increase in crash risk.
The data shows that Valentine’s Day produces more emotionally distracted driving fatalities than any other day in February. The holiday’s emotional weight, paired with winter driving conditions and increased evening travel, makes it a high risk day for drivers across the country.
A Data Driven Warning for Drivers
Suzuki Law Offices’ study offers a clear takeaway. Emotional driving is not a minor issue. It is a significant and measurable contributor to crash risk, especially on emotionally charged days like Valentine’s Day. The numbers show that even small lapses in attention can have serious consequences.
The study’s findings serve as a reminder that drivers should be mindful of their emotional state before getting behind the wheel. If a song triggers strong feelings, if stress is running high, or if distraction feels unavoidable, the safest choice may be to pause, take a break, or wait before driving.
