Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Campaign Launches Before July 4th Holiday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist & Public Information Officer

Delaware Office of Highway Safety

Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov

302-744-2743

DOVER, De. (July 1, 2019) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is partnering with the Delaware State Police and local law enforcement statewide for the national summer holiday campaign for Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over from July 4 – July 7, 2019, to put an end to drunk driving. In support of law enforcement’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see increased enforcement on the roads with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired.

“We want to be very clear about the consequences of driving while intoxicated,” said Christopher Klein, Acting Director Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Intoxicated driving is illegal and potentially deadly, and a risk we don’t want to see people take. Make no mistake: If you are caught driving while intoxicated, you will be arrested.”

During the 2014 to 2018 Fourth of July holiday period in Delaware, there were 53 DUI-related crashes. Five people were killed in those crashes which involved at l

east one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. That’s five families who will forever remember Independence Day with a heavy heart and nightmarish memories.

Celebrate with a Plan

This Fourth of July, drivers are urged to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.

Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:

  • Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
  • Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices.
    • SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
  • If you’re at the Delaware beaches over the holiday weekend, use SoberLift to get a safe ride home. In partnership with Lyft®, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety is offering the sober ride program which will begin on Wednesday, July 3, at 4 p.m. and run through Sunday, July 7, at 2 a.m., and will provide free SoberLift vouchers* (maximum value of $15) for individuals who want a safe ride during that time period.
    • Text “SoberLift” to 99000 to redeem the discount code which will be available in the beach towns of Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, South Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island.
    • *The number of daily codes, available between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m., will be limited.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
  • Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

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

Delaware Office of Highway Safety Web Site

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

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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.


DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation offers special holiday programs and events Dec. 24 – Jan 1

DOVER – You don’t have to hibernate over the holidays this year if you get out and get moving in Delaware’s state parks. From “First Day Hikes,” to “Zoo Camp,” to “Stroller Rollers,” there is plenty to do and see in DNREC’s state parks over the winter break from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

Children who love animals will be thrilled to attend Zoo Camp at the Brandywine Zoo on Dec. 27 and 28. During “Winter Wonders” half day camp, kids will find out all how animals survive during the winter– which ones stay awake, and those who sleep. On Dec. 28, the “Zoo Crew” can spend a half-day learning what it’s like to be a zookeeper. For more information about Zoo Camp, including programs, ages, fees, and registration visit https://BrandywineZoo.org/Camps.

Start your new year off right taking a “First Day Hike.” As a family, or on your own, experience the newest trail at Delaware’s newest state park, Auburn Heights State Park in Yorklyn, or take a “Stories of the Green Walking Tour,” at First State Heritage Park, or learn about “the Point,” the northeastern tip of Cape Henlopen State Park. Numerous other “First Day Hike” opportunities are offered in 10 other state parks throughout the state. For specific times and parks, visit https://www.destateparks.com/Programs or call: 302-739-9200.

Bellevue State Park is a haven paved with paths and lots of areas to explore nature with your toddlers, perfect for strollers, so enjoy “Stroller Rollers,” designed for children 12 months to three years old. Be introduced to the wonders of nature and expand your child’s cognitive and interactive skills as you venture through the park and learn how you, as parents, can facilitate early learning experiences to teach an appreciation of nature.

Attend the “Winter Break Out: Who Let the Snakes Out?” at Killens Pond State Park, and find out how park staff care for the amphibians and reptiles at the park’s Nature Center. Create some favorite meals to help our feathered friends throughout the winter at Cape Henlopen State Park during “Holiday for the Birds.” If you’ve picked up a few pounds during the holidays,“Walk It Off” at Bellevue State Park on Monday mornings. Information and charts to track your progress are available.

For more information about these and all of the many other programs going on in Delaware’s state parks over the holidays, visit https://www.destateparks.com/Programs or call: 302-739-9200.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 334


MEDIA ADVISORY: Governor Carney, First Lady to Host Holiday Open House at Woodburn

Holiday Open House at Woodburn on Satuday, December 2.

DOVER, Del. – On Saturday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney will host a holiday open house at Woodburn, the Governor’s Residence. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Governor and First Lady, tour Woodburn and Hall House, view holiday decorations, and enjoy holiday treats. The event is free and open to the public.

WHAT:        Holiday open house and tours at Woodburn.

WHO:          Governor John Carney

First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney

WHEN:       Saturday, December 2, 2017

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. *Governor Carney will arrive around 12:00 p.m.

WHERE:    Woodburn

151 Kings Highway Southwest

Dover, DE 19901

 

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The Woodburn Holiday Open House is one of several events taking place in Dover on Saturday, December 2:

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Delaware’s State Constitution.”
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Guided tours explore the Delaware State Constitution of 1792 which changed the Delaware State to the State of Delaware. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Johnson Victrola Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: A Country Tale”
Program at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Museum open 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Program, “Play That Old-Time Country Music,” explores Victor Records’ early recordings of country music, accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part of a series celebrating the museum’s creation in 1967. First Saturday in the First State program. Programs held in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required for the programs by calling 302-739-3262. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays”
Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Seasonal program in which visitors can design a tile for the holidays. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover.

Saturday, December 2, 2017
“Home for the Holidays Market Place & Parade”
3 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Loockerman Way Plaza, Dover.
Click here for more information from the Downtown Dover Partnership.


Commissioner Stewart Issues Holiday Insurance Tips

Dover – Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart would like all Delawareans to be aware of the many insurance-related issues that they may encounter as they celebrate the holiday season. “During the season of giving many people are not thinking of insurance, however calamity and disaster do not take a holiday” said Commissioner Weldin Stewart.

In recent weeks, throughout the country there has been an increase in thefts of packages left by parcel-delivery services. Delivery services usually try to leave packages in inconspicuous spots, or at least ones that aren’t clearly visible from the street. But delivery workers extremely busy this time of the year and are not employed to find hiding places on front porches.

If you want to thwart the parcel thieves, consider these tips from Consumer Reports:

  • Choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for delivery.
  • Check on the package’s delivery status online so you can try to be home when it arrives.
  • Leave a note asking the delivery service to leave the package with a neighbor.
  • Have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it, like your office or a friend’s home.
  • Ask the delivery service to hold your package for customer pick-up.
  • File a theft report immediately if you think your package was stolen, and contact your credit card company to find out if it offers a purchase-protection service that might reimburse you for stolen purchases.

Another important insurance tip for individuals giving a gift of 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, go-carts or snowmobiles- Be aware that these items are not protected against theft or damage under standard homeowner policies. To ensure coverage, you may need a rider or addition to your homeowners’ policy; or you may need a separate policy. Check with an insurance agent or company about how to provide coverage for such items.

Electronic equipment is a popular gift for which consumers may not have enough coverage. Many homeowner policies have limits for certain categories of items – for example, $5,000 total for all computer equipment in a home should it be destroyed or stolen. With the cost of computer equipment, I-Pods, video cameras, video game consoles, digital cameras and stereo and video equipment, those limits can quickly be exhausted. Check with your insurance company or agent about whether you may want to purchase additional coverage to cover your electronic goods.

Jewelry is also often subject to a category limit. Many policies have a maximum limit of $1,000 for all the jewelry in a home in case of theft. Again, check with an agent or company if you want to expand your coverage. The recent survey revealed 59 percent of consumers have not made a list or inventory of their possessions.

Commissioner Stewart recommends that Delawareans create a home inventory, “Creating a detailed inventory of your possessions is one the best ways to ensure you have the right amount of homeowners or renters insurance for you and your family.” A recent study performed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners shows that 48 percent of home inventories do not have receipts; 27 percent do not have photos of their property; and 28 percent do not have a back-up copy of the inventory outside the home. Additionally, 59 percent of people with inventories have not updated their inventories in more than a year, meaning new purchases and gifts may not be covered.

Commissioner Stewart suggests, “In addition to creating a paper version of a home inventory found on the Department of Insurance Website, using the “ myHOME Scr.APP.book” app for both iPhone® and Android® smart phone users will help to simplify the process. The app is free and makes it easier for consumers to document their valuables, update their inventories and store the information for easy access.”

When traveling during the holidays, people should remember that lost or stolen luggage – even if it is stolen out of your car – is often covered under their homeowners insurance. However, as always, you should check your deductible before making a claim and make sure the loss is one that is worth reporting.

If you are traveling, know what provisions of your health insurance may apply if you require medical care while away from home, especially if you are in a health plan that has a network of providers. In a true emergency situation, you should always seek immediate care at a hospital. But if your condition is not an emergency, contact your insurance company using the phone number on your insurance card for direction to an approved medical facility. Finally, almost all policies require that you contact your family doctor and insurance company within 48 hours of receiving such care.

For additional information on the topics discussed and additional insurance matters, please contact our office at 302-674-7300 or 1-800-282-8611 (toll-free in state). You can also visit our website at: www.delawareinsurance.gov


Governor’s Weekly Message: Happy Holidays


(DOVER, DE) In his weekly message, Governor Markell says it’s a time for goodwill and gratitude and he says ‘thank you’ to Delawareans.

“Whether it’s Merry Christmas, Mazel Tov, Umoja or simply Happy Holidays at your home, there’s no doubt this is a special time of the year,” said the Governor. “A time to remember the friends and family we’re so lucky to have around us and a time to reflect with love on those who left our lives too soon. A time to take stock of what we’ve learned, what we’ve faced, what we’ve overcome and what remains to get done, together. But more than anything – this week is a time for goodwill and gratitude; to reflect on any blessings we’ve received and to know from where those blessings have come.”

“This has not been an easy year – but it’s been inspiring to see how our state keeps pulling together – how many hard working Delawareans stay focused each day on creating more jobs, on building new opportunities to keep people working and on helping others get back to work. And while there have been more opportunities this year than last, we need to make sure next year is even better,” said the Governor. “This week, whether you’ve lighting a menorah, kinara candles or putting lights on your tree; whether you’re reflecting on your own faith, or just reflecting on your family – I hope these holidays find you safe, happy, warm and resting up, and that you’re as excited as I am for the chance to keep Delaware, moving forward.”

About the Governor’s Weekly Message:

At noon every Friday, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/GovernorMarkell
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Happy Holidays