DOVER, Del. (December 31, 2024) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police, and local law enforcement partnered to conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the Smyrna area.

There were approximately 472 vehicles that drove through the checkpoint. The enforcement resulted in five DUI arrests and the issuance of 32 other traffic tickets. In addition to getting impaired drivers off the road, these enforcement checks are an opportunity to positively inform and educate the public on safe driving habits.

“Thank you to the Delaware State Police, local law enforcement officers, and DelDOT personnel who assisted with the operation of the checkpoint. Their dedication and commitment to improving safety in the First State truly makes a difference.” said Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Driving under the influence of any substance is dangerous and illegal. There are many consequences to impaired driving, the worst being fatality and serious injury. Planning a safe and sober ride can help save lives and avoid the burdens that come with a DUI.”

To help reduce drunk driving in Delaware for the New Year’s Eve holiday, OHS is once again launching the Sober Rides initiative. Thanks to the program’s very generous sponsors, people can claim a $20 voucher for Uber or Lyft that will be valid from 5:00 p.m. on December 31 to 2:30 a.m. on January 1. QR codes will be on posters, table tents, and business cards at local bars and restaurants. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Delaware Office of Highway Safety at dshs_ohs@delaware.gov or 302-744-2740.

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, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

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

DOVER, Del. (December 26, 2024) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police, and local law enforcement are partnering to conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the Smyrna area.

“Checkpoint enforcements are not just about arrests or writing tickets. They are also an opportunity to inform and educate the community on safe and sober driving habits,” says Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “If you feel different you drive different. By making a plan and choosing to get a sober ride home, we can help save lives. We all have a shared responsibility to keep Delaware roadways safe.”

A DUI can have devastating consequences with the worst outcomes being fatality and/or serious injuries. A DUI can cost an average of $10,000 in court costs, fines, attorney fees, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more. It could also result in the loss of your license and possibly even your job.

“Ensuring the safety of Delaware’s roadways is a responsibility we all share,” said Lieutenant India Sturgis, Director of Public Information for the Delaware State Police. “DUI checkpoints remain a key part of our strategy to combat impaired driving. It is critical to make responsible decisions. If you drink, please do not drive. If you see someone making a risky decision, please speak up.  By working together, we can reduce the risks and protect lives on our roads.”

Enjoy the winter holidays responsibly. Make a plan, be an example, and discourage your friends and loved ones from driving under the influence. We all have a shared responsibility to keep our roadways safe and help make sure we can all Arrive Alive.

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, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

Media Contact:
Delaware Office Of Highway Safety
Meghan Niddrie
Meghan.Niddrie@Delaware.gov
302-535-1031

National Slow Down Move Over Day occurs on the third Saturday of every October to remind drivers to slow down and move over when an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road. Across our state, there have already been 54 incidents to date involving vehicles striking DelDOT equipment and personnel, a near-record number. There were 57 incidents recorded in all of 2021.

“Unsafe driving is jeopardizing the lives of DelDOT employees and contractors and it is unacceptable,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Slowing down and moving over is the simplest action all drivers can take to prevent an avoidable tragedy involving a first responder.”

Of the 54 incidents that have occurred, 11 have resulted in employee injuries.

On September 19, 2024, Governor John Carney signed House Bill 329 into law, increasing penalties for drivers who fail to move over and stating that a driver who is unable to safely yield the right of way must slow to at least 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.

“The only acceptable number of roadway fatalities is zero. Everyone on the road deserves to make it home safely,” said Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Seeing so many tragedies on Delaware roadways is devastating. By slowing down and moving over, we can help prevent roadside deaths.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski was joined by representatives of the Delaware State Police and AAA Mid-Atlantic on Monday at the 95/896 interchange project to call attention to the importance of safe driving in our work zones across the state.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is held each April at the traditional start of construction season, when the number of workers on our nation’s roadways increases. The theme of this year’s work zone awareness campaign is, “Become a hero toward zero, their lives depend on it.” The campaign features DelDOT workers who put their lives on the line daily as they work within active traffic maintaining Delaware roads.

“Sadly, we have had 22 fatalities over the past three years involving the traveling public in work zones and there have been close calls with employees that have resulted in injuries,” said DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski. “We would like everyone to join the Be DelAWARE campaign to help us increase safety for everyone on our roads.”

Major Jason Sapp of the Delaware State Police added, “The Delaware State Police is committed to focused presence and when necessary, enforcement in work zones throughout the State of Delaware. Work zones are inherently dangerous locations not only for those working in them but also for those motorists and passengers attempting to navigate them. Just a little bit of extra attention is really all that is needed to recognize you are entering a work zone so that you can decelerate and take the appropriate steps to maximize safety through responsible driving behaviors.”

Although highway workers are often among the victims of such crashes, it’s important for drivers to understand that four out of five victims of work zone crashes are drivers or their passengers. Generally, crashes occur when drivers speed through a work zone or do not pay attention to the changing road conditions and run into other vehicles, highway equipment or safety barriers, or drive off the roadway completely. In a typical five-day work week, an average of seven motorists and one worker are killed nationwide. The primary causes of work zone crashes are following too closely and inattentive driving.

The National Work Zone Awareness Week began in 1999, when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement pledging to increase public awareness of work zone safety issues through a national media campaign. Since then, awareness has continued to grow, with state agencies and other organizations sponsoring high-visibility education and outreach initiatives.

Some simple tips for improving work zone safety include:
* When you see the “orange and black,” be extra cautious.
* Warning signs will let you know what to expect.
* Barrels or cones will delineate your path of travel.
* Flag persons will help direct you along the way.
* Avoid distractions.
* Don’t tailgate.
* Don’t change lanes.
* Reduce speed when approaching toll booths.
* Slow down and expect the unexpected.

For complete Delaware work zone statistics check out the Delaware Strategic Highway Safety Plan at: https://deldot.gov/Programs/DSHSP/index.shtml?dc=work_zone_safety

The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has also developed a Work Zone Safety webpage highlighting the statistics for the frequency and severity work zone crashes:
FHWA Work Zone Facts and Statistics – FHWA Office of Operations (dot.gov)

137 fatalities were recorded on Delaware roads in 2023, a 16 percent decrease from 2022 when 164 fatalities occurred.

Fatalities were down across all modes of transportation with a 13 percent reduction in pedestrian fatalities; 29 percent reduction in bicyclist fatalities; and a 32 percent reduction in motorcyclist fatalities from last year.

“Reducing fatalities on our roads has been a primary focus of DelDOT and our partner agencies and there is more work to do. We are working every day to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

“We all have a responsibility for safety on our roads, whether we are traveling by car, public transit, on foot, or bike,” said Governor John Carney. “Paying attention, obeying speed limits and planning sober rides all make a difference. Let’s continue the trend so we can avoid these preventable tragedies.”

“While we are encouraged by the overall decline in traffic fatalities, substantial work remains ahead. As we acknowledge this progress, let it reinforce the potential impact achievable through collective action. Let’s continue to prioritize safety and promote responsible driving habits. Together, we can forge a future where our roads become safer and secure for everyone,” stated Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.”

“To achieve the goal of having zero fatalities on our roads, we are taking steps to form meaningful partnerships and actively engage within the community to spread our safety message more effectively,” said Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS). “Additionally, OHS will continue to work closely with our traffic safety partners and state and local law enforcement to provide additional enforcement, distribute educational materials, and raise awareness to keep the number of fatalities down. By working together, we can make Delaware roadways safer for everyone to arrive alive.”

DelDOT, Delaware State Police, and the Office of Highway Safety will be holding a safety summit on April 17, 2024, at the Chase Center in Wilmington to discuss ongoing efforts and new initiatives to address crashes and fatalities on Delaware roads.

Three fatalities have occurred on Delaware roads to date in 2024.