DOVER, Del. (April 8, 2025) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is participating in the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month enforcement this April. State and local law enforcement partners will be patrolling across the state to remind everyone that distracted driving is not only illegal and dangerous, but it is a leading contributing factor in fatal crashes.

Distracted driving crashes are often underreported. Data shows that in Delaware, between 2020 and 2024, there were 9,213 crashes, 174 serious injuries, and 20 fatalities involving distracted driving on our roadways. Driver inattention, distraction, or fatigue accounted for 21% of fatal crashes in 2025. Distracted driving is more common among 20 to 24-year-olds and those in the 35 to 44 age range.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,308 deaths linked to driver distractions in 2022. There were approximately 32,000 people who died in a crash involving distracted driving from 2013 to 2022. Distractions can either be visual, cognitive, or manual. However, texting is even more dangerous because it combines all three, causing you to take your eyes off the road, mind off the task of driving, and hands off the wheel.

“The choices we make while driving and even walking can have serious consequences.” said Sharon Bryson, Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, “It is important that motorists and pedestrians avoid distractions and give the roadway their full attention. Use the functions available on your phone, turn on Do Not Disturb, put the phone away, and turn notifications to silent. No life is worth a text message.”

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety urges drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. Here are some safety tips to help avoid driving distracted:

• Notifications tempting you to look at your phone? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination. How to turn on Do Not Disturb
• Check your notifications and respond before you drive away.
• If you must answer a phone call or text message, always pull off the roadway to a safe location and park your vehicle before handling your phone.
• Texting and calling are just a few of the features we have on our phones. Make sure you also avoid scrolling on social media or watching videos.
• Allow your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Give them access to your phone to respond to any calls or texts.
• Listen to your passengers. If they see you texting and driving and ask you to put the phone down, put it away.

Use your voice and speak up to save lives. Later this month, the Office of Highway Safety will begin hosting public town hall events to help plan future safety initiatives and reduce roadway fatalities. Whether you drive, ride, or walk, this issue affects everyone in the community. Please visit SaferRoadsDE.com for more information and to register for an event near you.

• Tuesday, April 15 | 6 – 8 pm | Del Tech Dover Campus (in person)
• Wednesday, April 23 | 6 – 8 pm | Del Tech Georgetown Campus (in person)
• Wednesday, April 30 | 6 – 8 pm | Virtual Event, a link will be sent to the email provided at registration
• Monday, May 5 | 6 – 8 pm | Del Tech Stanton Campus (in person)

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, motorcyclist safety, and teen and aging driver issues. More information can be found at ArriveAliveDE.com. Follow OHS on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

Media Contact:
Delaware Office Of Highway Safety
Meghan Niddrie
Meghan.Niddrie@Delaware.gov
302-744-2517

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