The Delaware Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is proud to announce new “Safe Selfie Zones” located at each of the DMV’s four locations. The Safe Selfie Zones feature a fun, colorful backdrop for new drivers to use when photographing selfies as an alternative to photographing their driver’s license. This will allow new Delaware drivers to share the news of obtaining their driver’s license with family and friends on social media while keeping their driver’s license number and home address secure.

Willie Goldsboro, a DMV employee in Dover noticed that, in their excitement, newly licensed drivers were posting “selfies” on various social media channels that showed identifying information that could be stolen and used without the individual’s permission. Mr. Goldsboro presented the idea to Laura Russum, a DMV Communications employee, who designed the Safe Selfie Zones and designated the hashtags #SafeSelfie and #NewDEDriver to further promote DelDOT and DMV’s commitment to help keep the personal information of Delaware residents secure.

“We are excited to unveil Safe Selfie Zones at each of our DMV locations to help Delaware’s new drivers celebrate their achievement while keeping their personal information secure. Be it promoting safe driving habits, or the security of Delaware driver license, Driver Privilege Card (DPC), or identification card holder’s personal information, DMV is committed to its customers,” said Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles Jana Simpler.

Last year, Delaware’s DMVs issued approximately 36,500 new drivers licenses for both minors and adults.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is showing its support for National Recovery Month by lighting its toll facilities and the Indian River Inlet Bridge in purple during the month of September.

“The addiction epidemic has impacted every community in Delaware,” said Lt. Governor Hall-Long, Chair of Delaware’s Behavioral Health Consortium. “Fighting this disease is a team effort, and we are working tirelessly to raise awareness and connect people with critical resources when they need it most. I applaud DelDOT for lighting Delaware purple and doing their part to support and educate Delawareans during Addiction Awareness Month.”

“The epidemic of substance abuse and addiction continues to impact families across Delaware and we are proud to support local groups such as atTAcK addiction that are working to raise awareness about the disease of addiction,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“atTAcK addiction continues to raise awareness and create open discussion throughout Delaware regarding the disease of substance abuse disorder,” said atTAcK addiction board member Doug Salter. “The work we do is bittersweet for, while we appreciate and welcome the partnerships and participation, it likely means another loved one has died or another family is battling the disease. We will continue to work tirelessly to “Erase the Stigma” surrounding addiction. Addiction does not discriminate. There is hope. If you or someone you love is suffering from the disease of addiction, please reach out. You are not alone.”

A record number of people died in Delaware from suspected overdoses in August 2018 according to reports from the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. The monthly total of 39 deaths was the highest since the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) began tracking deaths from suspected overdoses in late 2013. The previous high monthly total was 27 deaths, which occurred in April 2018.

In New Castle County, the 24/7 Crisis Services Hotline number is 1-800-652-2929. In Kent and Sussex counties, the number is 1-800-345-6785. Individuals and families also can visit DHSS’ website, www.HelpIsHereDE.com, to find addiction treatment and recovery services in Delaware or nearby states.

To learn more about the work of aTAcK addiction, visit www.attackaddiction.org.

Beginning Monday, September 10, two popular DART Beach Bus Routes, 201 and 204, will begin year-round service, operating every 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Route 201 provides service from the Lewes Park & Ride lot, along DE Route 1 corridor to Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Park & Ride and Rehoboth Boardwalk. Route 204 operates between the Lewes Park & Ride and Downtown Lewes, including the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. Free parking will now be offered at both Lewes Park & Ride and Rehoboth Park & Ride. In addition, the following Sussex County services (Routes 206, 212 and 215) provide Saturday service year-round.

John Sisson, Delaware Transit Corporation CEO stated, “We’re excited to offer the continuation of these services year-round, as well as increased Saturday service in Sussex County. These expansions provide greater access to jobs, shopping and entertainment, as we continue striving to enhance the customer experience.”

From the Rehoboth Park & Ride, riders can connect with Route 215 for Monday through Saturday service along DE Routes 23 and 24 to the Long Neck area, Mountaire Farms and Mid-Sussex Shopping Center in Millsboro. At Millsboro, Flex Route 902 provides a connection to the Georgetown Hub.

At the Lewes Park & Ride connections can be made to the various routes that provide service to Georgetown, Milford and Dover. Route 204 provides Monday through Saturday service to Downtown Lewes and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. The Route 206 serves Harbeson and Georgetown. At the Georgetown Hub, connections can be made to the Route 212 for service to Bridgeville, Seaford, Blades, Laurel and Delmar; to Route 303 to Dover; the Flex 901 for local Georgetown service; Flex 902 to Millsboro and Flex 903 for local Seaford service. Route 307 offers rush hour and mid-day service from Lewes to Milford and Dover. In Milford, connections can be made with the Route 210 for local Milford service or to Route 303 for service to Georgetown. In Dover, riders can connect with the local Kent County services or the Intercounty Routes 301 or 302 for service to New Castle County.

The fares are $2 per zone for a one-way trip, $4.20 per zone for a Daily Pass, 7-Day Pass is $18 or 30-Day Pass for $65. Fares are now available for mobile payment with DART Pass, the new mobile fare payment option, and includes a one-way ride, a reduced fare one-way ride (ID required upon boarding), a Daily Pass, and the new 7-Day and 30-Day Passes. All mobile fares are currently valid for one zone only; however, multiple tickets can be used for multi-zone travel. Multi-zone tickets will be available at a later date.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), operates DART First State. For more information, please visit www.DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the new mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DelDOT App (iOS and Android).

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Sunday issued the following statement on weather conditions and encouraged Delawareans to follow the latest forecasts and emergency preparedness resources online:

“The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is closely monitoring the approach of Hurricane Florence, as well as Hurricane Isaac farther out in the Atlantic. We are communicating and coordinating with Delaware state agencies, local partners, FEMA officials, and authorities in surrounding states. Emergency management officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any protective actions that should be taken in response to Hurricane Florence. Delawareans and visitors should be prepared in the event that Delaware feels an impact from the storm. It is still too early to tell what impact Delaware will experience, but it is never too early to plan and ensure you are prepared. Delawareans should visit preparede.org for tips and monitor your local forecasts.”

For the latest weather forecasts and emergency preparedness tips, visit preparede.org and de.gov/weather, and follow updates on social media:

Prepare Delaware
Delaware Emergency Management Agency
National Weather Service – Mount Holly, N.J.
Delaware Department of Transportation

Delaware’s Congressional delegation, Governor John Carney, former Governor Jack Markell, State Representative Valerie Longhurst, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, and other state and local officials gathered on Wednesday at the DuPont Environmental Education Center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, to open the new 7.9-mile trail named after former Governor Jack Markell.

The new trail links Wilmington’s Riverfront to historic Old New Castle, and connects to a 3,000 mile East Coast Greenway that traverses Maine to Florida. The trail includes a 300 foot-long pedestrian/bicycle crossing over the Christiana River and an elevated 2,300 foot-long boardwalk through the Peterson Wildlife Refuge with paved pathways. The elevated boardwalk section is the largest pedestrian/bicycle bridge in the state.

The trail was dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony as the “Jack A. Markell Trail,” in honor of the former First State’s Governor, who spearheaded the dramatic expansion of bicycle and pedestrian trails and pathways throughout Delaware during his two terms in office.

“Today’s groundbreaking on the final phase of this trail that connects the beautiful Wilmington Riverfront to Historic Old New Castle is a part of a national trail that reaches across more than 3,000 miles of our country,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Governor Markell’s hard work and dedication to creating a more walkable, bikeable Delaware can be seen in the great trails we have that span our state from Wilmington to the Bayshore. It’s a lasting legacy that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“I am proud to have had a small part in establishing this track, when I served as New Castle County Executive, and I am equally pleased this trail will be named for Governor Markell, recognizing his championing of accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians, and his vision for connecting all of Delaware through trails and greenways,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.

“This exciting project further connects the communities of Wilmington and New Castle,” said Governor John Carney. “It provides more opportunities for walkers and cyclists to enjoy a beautiful part of our state. It gives those living near the trail another option for their morning commute. And, it finalizes a critical link that incorporates Delaware into a vast network of trails in our region and along the East Coast. None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of Governor Markell and his Trails and Pathways Initiative. Naming this trail in his honor is a fitting recognition of his efforts to promote healthier living, increase tourism, and bring together towns and communities in our state. I’m looking forward to its opening, and I know the Governor will be one of the first ones out here to ride it.”

“I’m thrilled that we’re opening this trail, which establishes a critical new link within our state’s trail network and the East Coast greenway,” said former Governor Jack Markell. “Dozens of miles of new trails and pathways have been constructed to more fully integrate our hundreds of miles of existing routes into a world-class regional trail network. Doing so strengthens the quality of life of people in our state, while helping attract more people to live and work here.”

“Governor Markell has done more to advance the idea of a walkable, bikeable Delaware than any other elected official, and that’s not hyperbole, that’s simply a fact,” said House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst, an avid cyclist who has biked with the Governor on several occasions. “During his time in office, Governor Markell has proposed, fought for, and helped secure tens of millions of dollars in funding for Delaware to invest in cycling and pedestrian trails up and down the state. As a result of many of these improvements, we’ve seen Delaware’s ranking by the League of American Bicyclists climb from 31st in 2008, to 18th in 2011, all the way up to 3rd last year. Thanks to Governor Markell, Delawareans and visitors to our state have an unprecedented opportunity to see our state as never before.”

“Thanks to Governor Markell, this trail – and many others already completed under his visionary First State Trails and Pathways Initiative – will continue to link people with opportunities for health, education, recreation and employment for decades to come,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“It is appropriate that we name our newest trail in Delaware after Governor Jack Markell,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We continue to realize his vision to build a world-class trail network across the state that enhances recreational options for residents and visitors, provides alternative transportation routes, and benefits the environment. We are connecting more residents and visitors to the outdoors, and it is a wonderful legacy for our current and future generations.”

The $22.5 million project was completed by JJID Inc. of Bear.

For further information visit www.deldot.gov, or contact DelDOT Community Relations at 1-800-652-5600 or 302-760-2080, or contact DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.