Dover, Del. (August 21, 2023) — During the busy Labor Day holiday period and the end of summer, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is working alongside the law enforcement community to decrease impaired driving. From August 16 to September 4, state and local law enforcement are participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement period. Officers are working together to get drunk drivers off Delaware roadways. Whatever your plans are to celebrate the end of summer, make sure you plan to do it safely.

Additionally, OHS is proud to support Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D),  who will be hosting  their Walk Like MADD event on September 24th, at 9:30 a.m. in Rehoboth Beach Delaware to help raise awareness and funds to end drunk driving and fight drugged driving. Visit the website to register or donate: Walk Like MADD 2023

“Mothers Against Drunk Driving appreciates the Delaware Law Enforcement for its Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign that comes during one of the most dangerous moments on our roads.” Said Bryna Clark-Braverman, Regional Executive Director Mid-Atlantic Region, Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “Drunk driving deaths are at a 16-year high, with one person killed every 39 minutes. Our hope is that the high-visibility traffic safety enforcement will stop dangerous drivers before they can harm themselves or others, and that their increased presence will also deter anyone from driving if they plan to consume alcohol or other drugs. We can all do our part to protect ourselves and our communities by always planning for a non-drinking designated driver, following speed limits, and buckling up every time.”

In Delaware, impaired driving crashes and arrests are increasing. Last year in 2022, there were 1,201 crashes, 104 serious injuries and 4,655 arrests involving impaired driving on Delaware roads. Data shows that males are more likely than females to drive impaired and contributed to 83% of impaired driving fatalities. During Labor Day weekend alone (September 2 – September 5, 2022), there were 5 fatal crashes and 60% of those crashes involved impaired driving.

“As the summer season comes to an end, OHS wants to remind drivers of the importance of planning for a sober ride if alcohol is included in the Labor Day celebration plans,” said Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Impaired Driving is never acceptable, especially when there are so many alternatives to get you home safely.”

The Cost of Drunk Driving

• On average, a DUI can set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
• If you’re caught drinking and driving, you can face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment.
• Drinking and driving can cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could keep you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.

Drinking and driving doesn’t mix. Always make a plan before you go out. There are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare service. No one is immune to the effects of drinking. Getting behind the wheel after even one alcoholic beverage can cause a traumatic crash that could cost you, someone you love, or a total stranger to suffer serious injuries or even death.

For more information on the campaign, statistics, and education visit: https://www.arrivealivede.com/drive-sober/

About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues, such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. FAQs can be found at ArriveAliveDE.com. Follow OHS on the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Media Contact:
Delaware Office of Highway Safety
Meghan Niddrie
Meghan.Niddrie@Delaware.gov
302-744-2517 (office)
302-535-1031 (cell)

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