Motorcycle Crashes Spike in Delaware May 2019

ngg_shortcode_0_placeholderDelaware (May 28, 2019) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Transportation, and AAA Mid-Atlantic are working together to notify the public about the recent spike in motorcycle crash fatalities in Delaware. Since January 1st, 2019 there have been six motorcycle fatalities across the state all within the month of May and all under 42 years of age. In all fatal cases listed speed is the number one contributing factor.

“Throughout the year especially during this time when it gets warmer we see more preventable speed-related crashes. It is imperative to know that split second critical decisions are made by motorcyclists that impact every driver on our roads. Through better decisions, education, and enforcement we can work together to make a difference to reduce Delaware fatalities,” Sergeant Richard Bratz, Director of the Delaware State Police Public Information Office.

Motorcycle Fatal and Non-Fatal Crashes from January 1st to May 27, 2019:

32 motorcycle crashes + 5 fatal crashes = 37 crashes

40 motorcycle injuries (not including fatals)

6 motorcycle fatalities

  • Monday, May 27, 2019, 11:18 p.m. – (1 Fatality) DE-5 south of DE-24 (Oak Orchard area) – A helmeted motorcyclist was reportedly speeding and lost control when trying to pass another vehicle. Alcohol use is pending on the motorcyclist.
  • Monday, May 27, 2019, 12:19 a.m. – (2 Fatalities) on I-95 southbound south of Jackson Street (Wilmington city area) – A motorcyclist was reportedly speeding and driving recklessly on I-95 southbound in the area and struck a Toyota Sienna, ejecting both the driver and passenger (both helmeted, landing on the shoulder). Alcohol use is pending on the motorcycle driver.  Also, the motorcycle driver did not have a valid license.
  • Friday, May 24, 2019, 11:07 p.m. – (1 Fatality) US-202 at Fairfax Boulevard (Fairfax Area) – Contributing Circumstance: A helmeted motorcyclist was reportedly speeding and driving recklessly on US-202 northbound in the area and a 69-year-old driver attempted to turn left, where the motorcycle entered his path. Alcohol use is pending on the motorcyclist.
  • Saturday, May 18, 2019, 8:47 p.m. – (1 Fatality) US-13 northbound north of Federal School Lane (New Castle area) – A car was attempting to make a U-turn from US-13 southbound to US-13 northbound at a crossover and struck a helmeted motorcyclist. Speed is suspected on part of the motorcyclist and impairment analysis is pending.
  • Sunday, May 5, 2019, 2:06 a.m. – (1 Fatality) DE-9 at the C&D Canal, (Delaware City area) – This crash involved a 20-year-old motorcyclist who was traveling on the Reedy Point Bridge who crossed the center line, striking a vehicle in the opposite direction and was ejected. Speed and impairment appear to be factors for the motorcyclist.

“Motorcyclists are vulnerable drivers on our roadways. It’s up to both riders and motorists to share the road according to Delaware laws that are put into place to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely,” Sarah Cattie, Motorcycle Traffic Safety Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety

AAA, OHS, DelDOT and DSP Provide Safety Tips:

One of the most common reasons drivers give for cutting off or pulling out in front of a motorcycle is that they “didn’t see it.”

Bikers can prevent crashes and injuries by:

  • Reducing speeds and/or maintaining safer speeds
  • Keeping headlights and marker and taillights on at dusk and in dark or rainy weather
  • Staying three to four seconds behind a vehicle they intend to pass, checking oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, signaling the intention to turn, and then checking for oncoming traffic before passing.
  • Checking their rearview mirror and quickly turn their head to ensure the vehicle is a safe distance behind them when completing a pass.
  • Wearing helmets that meet a high protection standard.
  • Wearing proper clothing, eyewear, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear.

Motorists can help to make the roads safer for motorcyclists by taking some simple precautions:

  • Be extra cautious on weekends, when more motorcyclists take to the road.
  • Provide motorcyclists adequate room to maneuver. Follow at least three to four seconds behind them.
  • Allow extra maneuvering room in areas with potholes, pavement transitions, and railroad crossings. Motorcyclists may need to slow down, stop or adjust their lane position.
  • Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Motorcycles have the same right to lanes as any other vehicle.
  • If a motorcycle is nearby, check your mirrors carefully before changing lanes. Motorcycles may be in your blind spots or difficult to see because of their smaller size.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, whether driving a car, truck, or motorcycle and whether we are drivers, passengers, or pedestrians, it’s important for all of us to be aware of others using our roads and to follow basic safety policies while using our public roads,” said Ken Grant, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. 

“There are nearly 22,000 motorcycles registered in Delaware and by following the rules of the road – obeying the speed limit, not driving distracted, and not driving under the influence, the risk of being involved in a crash is greatly reduced for anyone operating a motor vehicle and the surrounding motorists,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.  

Safer motorcycle rides start with respect. Check out the Office of Highway Safety’s Motorcycle Safety website at ArriveAliveDE.com/Motorcycle-Safety and find out where you can take the Motorcycle Rider Safety Course, popular routes for riders throughout the state of Delaware, and check the street smarts section that teaches you how to conduct a pre-ride check called T-CLOCS. While you’re visiting, check out the video section featuring some of Delaware’s riders as they talk about the freedom of owning a bike and why motorcycle safety is so important. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice, you could learn something here that could save your ride—and maybe even your life. The motorcycle safety rider quiz takes less than a few minutes. Go to: ArriveAliveDE.com/Motorcycle-Safety/Rider-Quiz.

  • To keep motorcyclists safe, OHS urges everyone to share the road and be alert. We’re reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.
  • Make sure you are properly licensed. Check out the DMV Motorcycle Endorsement at Dmv.de.gov/services/driver_services/drivers_license/dr_lic_motorcycle.shtml.
  • Look twice, before you proceed. Then look again. Cars are easier to spot than motorcycles.
  • When turning left, ensure there is enough time and space for the motorcyclist to clear the roadway before you initiate the left turn.
  • Protect yourself with the proper motorcycle safety gear.

The next OHS motorcycle safety awareness community engagement event will be the Hammer Down for Habitat Motorcycle Ride and Community Day on June 8th, 2019. OHS will be on-site at the American Legion in Smyrna beginning at 9 a.m. with games, a selfie station, and information pertaining to respecting your ride. For more information, go to https://business.facebook.com/events/2317175238567234/.

You can follow the Delaware Office of Highway Safety by clicking on:

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About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (DOHS)
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.

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Don’t Push Your Luck This St. Patrick’s Day – Designate a Sober Driver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Cynthia Cavett, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, (302) 744-2743
Kellie Boulware, MDOT MVA, 410-762-5188
Brandy Brubaker, Virginia DMV, 804-367-6834

 

Joint Effort Targets Impaired Drivers Along US 13 and US 113 in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia

 

Dover, DE (March 15, 2019) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA), law enforcement and transportation officials from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, have partnered for the second year to save lives on our roadways during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Law enforcement from 36 agencies across the three states will team up for a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) effort on US 13 and US 113 throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.

In 2017, there were 39 DUI-related fatal crashes in the state of Delaware and 3,997 DUI arrests. In 2018, there were two DUI-related fatalities during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Over the last five years, a total of 228 impaired driving arrests occurred for the same holiday period.

“All of us here at the Delaware Office of Highway Safety would like to thank our partner agencies for working together to have a greater impact on reducing impaired driving. It is through coordinated efforts like this along US 13 and US 113, that we can increase awareness and safety for all motorists on our roads,” said Richard Klepner, Delaware Office of Highway Safety, Impaired Driving Program Manager. Delaware motorists can text “saferide” to 99000 for a link to download Lyft and Uber apps or get a list of local companies providing safe rides. The state of Maryland is conducting multiple enforcements on US 13 where there were 138 crashes from 2013 – 2016 resulting from alcohol and/or drug impairment. During last year’s effort participating agencies in Maryland issued 125 citations, including 45 for speeding, and made four impaired driving arrests.

“This effort is a great example of state and local law enforcement agencies joining forces to save lives on our roadways,” said Chrissy Nizer, Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) Administrator.

In Virginia, there were 278 alcohol-related fatalities in 2018, which is 34 percent of overall traffic deaths. The chance of being in an alcohol-related crash in Virginia is one-in-six over the course of a lifetime.

“Reducing and ultimately eliminating drunk driving will go a long way toward reaching our goal of zero deaths on Virginia roadways,” said Virginia DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Law enforcement agencies partnering across state lines sends a strong message to drivers — we are committed to saving lives and vow to work together to make our roadways safer for everyone.”

Saturation patrols will run throughout the US 13 and US 113 corridors in the three states with law enforcement on the lookout for impaired drivers. US 13 is comprised of 289 total miles – 137 in Virginia; 103 in Delaware; and 49 in Maryland. It houses approximately 150 establishments with liquor licenses along its length in Maryland alone.

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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.

 

Delaware Office of Highway Safety logo


Delaware Office of Highway Safety Kicks Off The Safe Family Holiday Campaign

DUI checkpoints in place on Wednesday, Nov. 21, ahead of Thanksgiving weekend

DOVER, DE (Nov. 19, 2018) The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) has announced the kickoff of The Safe Family Holiday Campaign and the theme “It’s The Most Dangerous Time of the Year”, running through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.  The awareness campaign is a reminder that there are increased dangers associated with holiday driving. Efforts are focused to reduce crashes and fatalities on Delaware roadways during the holiday season.  In addition to the education component of the campaign, the annual Safe Family Holiday will have an ongoing enforcement period, which focuses on impaired driving, speed, pedestrian safety, occupant protection, and distracted driving during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

“Celebrations, inclement weather and undue stress that come along with the holiday season often make for a dangerous combination for drivers and pedestrians,” said Kimberly Chesser, OHS’ acting director. “In fact, in the past five years, there were 316 pedestrian crashes across the state in November – December alone. This is a busy time of year, but that doesn’t mean it has to be hazardous for travelers, which is why our office is once again bringing back ‘The Safe Family Holiday Campaign’ and reminding motorists of the increased dangers associated with holiday travel on Delaware roadways. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season, but to also be responsible and get where they are going safely.”

The campaign will once again use a life-size snow globe and carolers—ubiquitous holiday favorites, but with a unique safety-messaging twist*— to rally Delawareans to be more responsible drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, and empower them to take steps to reduce holiday crashes and fatalities.

The snow globe and carolers will be featured at the following prominent community events and locations throughout the state, and will be joined by street teams that will encourage passersby to sign a holiday drive responsibility pledge and enter the larger-than-life inflated snow globes, where they’ll have a picture taken to commemorate their commitment to safe driving and walking:

  • Saturday, Dec. 1, from noon to 5 P.M.: A Farmer’s Christmas at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover, Delaware
  • Saturday, Dec. 8, from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M.: Winter WonderFEST2018 at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware
  • Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.: Dover Mall in Dover, Delaware
  • Saturday, Dec. 22, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.: Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware

“The response to last year’s campaign was overwhelmingly positive, generating more than 1,000 pledges,” said Chesser. “We hope to have the same results if not more for this holiday season.”

In addition to these grassroots efforts, OHS will have three DUI checkpoints in place on Wednesday, Nov. 21, ahead of Thanksgiving weekend. Checkpoints will be conducted from 10 P.M. – 2 A.M. at the following locations:

  • Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, Delaware
  • South State Street in Dover, Delaware
  • US Route 113 in Lincoln, Delaware

“Thanksgiving Eve is one of the most dangerous nights of the year with a high number of impaired crashes,” adds Chesser. “This is why we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of our Delawareans. Plan ahead and have a designated driver or take advantage of one of the many ridesharing programs available.”

Statistics

Recent statistics emphasize why OHS is focusing on four core areas of travel safety during The Most Dangerous Time of the Year campaign.

  • DUIs: So far in 2018, the state of Delaware has seen 3,470 arrests and 18 fatalities related to impaired driving.
  • Speeding: Last year (2017) Delaware had 27 fatalities related to speed.
  • Pedestrians: Over the past 5 years, 147 pedestrians have been killed in traffic crashes; in 2017, crashes caused the death of 33 pedestrians in Delaware.
  • Distracted driving and failure to use seatbelts: Last year (2017) inattentive driving caused the majority of personal injury and property damage crashes in Delaware and 52% of fatalities were unbuckled. And from 2013-2017, Delaware had 150 unrestrained crashes in November – December.

For more information, please visit ohs.delaware.gov, or visit us on Facebook (@highwaysafetyde), Twitter (@highwaysafetyDE) and Instagram (highwaysafetyde).

*Snowglobe depicted in posters, print ads, billboards, theater ads, retail floor displays, social media posts, website pages and more will display the usual festive holiday settings, but with a vehicle accident disrupting the “peace and joy” of the season. With an overriding message of “Don’t let a crash shake things up this holiday season,” specific messages will address everything from avoiding DUIs and putting the phone away while driving, to slowing down, buckling up and crossing at crosswalks.

*Carolers will be equipped with lyrics to traditional holiday favorites, reinforcing The Most Dangerous Time of the Year messaging. These carols will be heard live as they travel with the inflatable snow globes, as well as on the radio during the campaign period. 

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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.


Ford Driving Skills For Life Teen Driver Safety Events

Dover-  Do you have a young driver in your house? Do they think they are a safe driver? Through a Ford Motor Company Driving Skills for Life Grant, The Office of Highway Safety, along with the state’s Teen Driver Task Force and other partners, will be hosting two teen driver safety events this month for parents and teens. Parents and teens will participate in several interactive stations together to build their driving relationship in a positive way. The event is open to students from all Delaware high schools regardless of event location. In addition, students will be entered into a drawing for a scholarship if they attend one of the events and complete all of the activities. A total of 6 scholarships will be randomly awarded. Three scholarships will be given away following each event. First place will be awarded $1,500, second place will be awarded $1,000 and third place will be awarded $500.

The events are scheduled for:
Saturday Sept. 19, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sussex Technical High School
17099 County Seat Highway
Georgetown, DE 19947

Saturday Sept. 26, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
St. Marks High School
2501 Pike Creek Rd.
Wilmington, DE 19808

Each event will include two guest speakers on teen driving issues, Tim Hollister and Jennifer Macauley. Tim Hollister is a fellow parent and has become a national authority and spokesperson for safer teen driving since he lost his 17 year old son Reid in a car crash in 2006. He served on the Connecticut state taskforce that overhauled the state’s teen driver laws. He has also written a book Not So Fast: Parenting Your Teen Through the Dangers of Driving, an informative and vital guide for parents to help them understand the causes of teen crashes and head them off before their teen gets behind the wheel. Copies of Hollister’s book will be distributed to parents at both events. (http://www.nsfteendriving.com/).

The second speaker, Jennifer Macauley, was hit at an intersection in August 2004 when a large truck ran a red light (unknown cause) and struck her car on the driver’s side. She was 20 years old at the time and had just graduated from Cecil County Community College three months prior. Jen was admitted to Christiana Care’s trauma ICU for a traumatic brain injury. She was eventually transferred to Bryn Mawr rehabilitation hospital to learn to walk, talk and take care of herself again.

Additional event activities include Christiana Care’s distracted driving simulator, Smart Drive’s SIDNE Driving Simulators and Distraction and Reaction, Delaware State Police’s No Zone Truck Display, Delaware State Police’s Rollover seat belt convincer, Safe Driving Pledge Display, and information tables with Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), State Farm, and AAA.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the U.S. There are over 33,000 licensed teen drivers in Delaware. Teen drivers account for five percent of all drivers in Delaware yet are involved in approximately 15 percent of all reportable crashes in Delaware.

The events are funded through a grant from Ford Motor Company’s teen safe driving program and supported by the state’s Teen Driver Task Force and other partners including Smart Drive, DMV, DSP, AAA Mid-Atlantic, Christiana Care, State Farm, Delaware Safety Council and Delaware Safety Driver’s Education Association of driver’s education teachers.

For more information and resources for teen drivers and the Graduated Driver License visit OHS website at www.ohs.delaware.gov/TeenDriving.shtml or visit www.teendriving.dmv.de.gov.


OHS Director Simpler Named Chair of Governors Highway Safety Association

OHS Director Jana Simpler and GHSA Executive Director Jonathan AdkinsDelaware’s Office of Highway Safety Director Jana Simpler has been named Chair of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) providing leadership for a national organization focused on preventing highway fatalities.

“Working together with highway safety advocates from across the nation to reduce highway fatalities not only in our State but also across the nation benefits us all,” Governor Markell said. “With Jana’s leadership, the GHSA will continue to address many of the driving behaviors that result in deaths on our highways.”

Director Simpler, who will serve a one-year term, was elected chair of GHSA’s Executive Board at the Association’s Annual Meeting last week. GHSA is the national nonprofit organization that represents state and territorial state highway safety offices across the country. GHSA provides leadership and advocates for the States to influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices in improving behavioral highway safety across the country. In the coming year, GHSA will continue to provide national leadership on key highway safety issues, including drunk and drug-impaired driving, occupant protection, distracted driving and pedestrian safety.

“I appreciate the support of the Association and look forward to serving the membership over the next year as we tackle the challenges ahead. I am excited to work on legislative initiatives and strengthen our relationship with federal partners to achieve highway safety goals across the nation,” Simpler said.

GHSA’s Executive Board consists of four officers, representatives from the NHTSA’s 10 regions, and committee and task force chairs.

“We are extremely proud to have Jana represent not only Delaware but all 50 states as GHSA Chair. Jana’s extensive knowledge of the highway safety issues will help GHSA and its members work closer with its federal partners and legislators to prevent highway fatalities,” said Lewis D. Schiliro, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Prior to her 2015 election as GHSA Chair, Simpler was a member of the Association’s
Executive Board for multiple terms and served for two years as the Federal Relations Committee Chair. She has worked for the Delaware Office of Highway Safety since 1997 and has served as the Director since 2010.