CHICAGO, Ill. — A milder Valentine’s weekend is bringing more drivers onto Illinois roadways, and in Chicago, that warm stretch could quietly shift traffic patterns across the city.
After weeks of navigating icy side streets, salted expressways, and cautious braking, the first mild spell in February often creates a sense of relief. Pavement looks clearer. Lake Shore Drive feels more open. Drivers begin accelerating sooner and leaving less space between vehicles without realizing it.
This weekend, movement increases.
Traffic builds along I-90, I-94, and I-290 as couples head toward dinner reservations downtown. Congestion tightens near the Loop and along Michigan Avenue. Parking fills quickly in River North and the West Loop. Evening activity increases near Navy Pier and Millennium Park as residents take advantage of the comfortable air before nighttime plans.
Warmer weather also brings more pedestrians into crosswalks that felt quieter during colder weeks.
It’s not snow that creates the greatest risk during weekends like this.
It’s comfort.
When pavement appears dry and predictable, reaction times can soften. Drivers assume braking will be smooth. They assume other vehicles are fully attentive. They assume winter caution isn’t as necessary.
Add Valentine’s anticipation — tight schedules, emotional distraction, unfamiliar parking — and the margin for error narrows quickly.
The combination of mild temperatures and increased travel across Chicago roadways Saturday and Sunday evening can quietly elevate crash risk, even without winter weather in the forecast.
If you’re driving anywhere in the city this weekend, especially after dark, stay alert.
Because sometimes the most dangerous winter driving happens when it feels like winter is already over.
