Dover – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is pleased to announce an increase in pedestrian safety initiatives that began November 3rd. These initiatives include outreach to the pedestrian population, enforcement of pedestrian safety laws, placement of paid media and a variety of public relations efforts. Full details of the campaign were unveiled on Friday, November 13, 2015, during a press event outside the Emergency Department at Christiana Care Health System’s Christiana Hospital. Speakers included the Director of the Office of Highway Safety, the Colonel of the Delaware State Police, the Safety Programs Manager for DelDOT, and the Associate Medical Director for the Christiana Care Trauma Program.

To date, Delaware has lost 30 pedestrians on roadways across the state. The total number of pedestrians lost in 2014 was 27. Given that many of these crashes occurred late in the year, the Office of Highway Safety and its partners announced a variety of initiatives that are intended to keep additional pedestrian crashes at a minimum.

Outreach to the pedestrian population started on November 3rd, with Delaware State Police Troop 2 conducting a special project involving high visibility education and enforcement along US Route 13 from the Route 13/40 split to I-295. This project is part of a pilot program initiated by the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) and funded by OHS. The initiative began with outreach to educate pedestrians about how to make walking a safer mode of transportation. Two weeks of education patrols include teams of two Troopers intercepting pedestrians who may be breaking the State’s pedestrian safety laws. Following the education patrols, Troopers will conduct one week of enforcement patrols, targeting pedestrian safety violations.

During Troop 2’s special project, the following promotion will be conducted:
• Safety messages on DelDOT’s variable message boards
• Social media announcements and press releases
• Public Service Announcement on Traffic Watch radio programs

In addition to the Troop 2 project, OHS began funding outreach patrols on November 5th to additional law enforcement agencies including Dover Police, Elsmere Police, Laurel Police, Milford Police, Newark Police, Seaford Police, Smyrna Police, Wilmington Police, and Delaware State Police Troops 2, 3 and 6. These outreach patrols will run through December 12th and will be followed with one week of enforcement patrols that conclude on December 19th. Officers working both initiatives will provide pedestrians literature that includes safe walking tips and a small flashlight to increase their visibility in low-light or dark conditions.

OHS’s media and public relations component to improve pedestrian safety will include the following:
• Press releases and social media announcements
• Special announcements on the University of Delaware’s Facebook page
• Signage at bus shelters in New Castle County, focusing on the Route 13/40 corridor, Kirkwood Highway, and Limestone Road
• Bus wraps on DART buses in New Castle County
• Signage at Dover Mall and Concord Mall
• Signage at Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach
• Sidewalk clings within the City of Dover
• A pedestrian safety educational checkpoint along the Route 13/40 corridor
• Flyers for law enforcement to hand out during education/outreach patrols
• Small flashlights for pedestrians
• Posters placed with businesses and apartment complexes along the Route 13/40 corridor
• Marquee messaging along the Route 13/40 corridor

OHS reminds pedestrians and motorists that the holiday season truly is the most dangerous time of the year on Delaware roadways. Pedestrians are reminded to cross only in marked crosswalks or at intersections with traffic signals; if walking at night, carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing; use sidewalks whenever possible; be patient – wait for cars to stop before starting to cross; and finally, do not walk under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be as visible as you possibly can. When driving, always anticipate pedestrians, and plan extra time in your travel schedule to allow them time to cross. Vigilance is essential. And remember, always follow the posted speeds and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Dover – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is pleased to announce an increase in pedestrian safety initiatives that began on November 3rd. These initiatives include outreach to the pedestrian population, enforcement of pedestrian safety laws, placement of paid media and a variety of public relations efforts.

Outreach to the pedestrian population began on November 3rd, with Delaware State Police Troop 2 conducting a special project that involved high visibility education and enforcement along US Route 13 from the Route 13/40 split to I-295. This project was part of a pilot program initiated by the International Association of Police Chiefs (IACP) and funded by OHS. DSP will conduct two weeks of outreach and follow with one week of enforcement patrols, citing those breaking pedestrian safety laws. This project will conclude on November 21st.

In addition, OHS is funding outreach and education patrols, which began November 5th. Participating agencies include Dover Police, Elsmere Police, Laurel Police, Milford Police, Newark Police, Seaford Police, Smyrna Police, Wilmington Police, and Delaware State Police Troops 2, 3 and 6. Outreach patrols will run through December 12th and will be followed with one week of enforcement patrols that conclude on December 19th. Officers will provide pedestrians with literature that includes safe walking tips and a small flashlight to increase pedestrians’ visibility in low-light or dark conditions.

OHS reminds both pedestrians and the motoring public to be extra vigilant as the holiday season approaches. Historically, it’s been the most dangerous time of the year to be a pedestrian. If you are walking cross only in crosswalks or at intersections with traffic signals; if walking at night, carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing; use sidewalks whenever possible; be patient – wait for cars to stop before stepping into the roadway; and finally, do not walk under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When driving, always anticipate pedestrians. Obey the posted speeds, be vigilant, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Traffic fatalities are trending upward for 2015

Dover – Highway safety officials are urging motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians to focus on the task of driving and/or safely crossing the road.  May, June and July have seen an above-average number of fatalities as compared to the five-year average. Statewide, there were 34 fatalities between May and July and a total of 62 persons have lost their lives in fatal crashes this year.

A variety of factors are at work in causing the crashes according to fatality reports, but what appear to be common factors are speed, impairment, and unsafe crossing by pedestrians. The months of June and July have seen an increase in speed related crashes; July has 13 crashes alone.  Of those 13 crashes, five of them were crashes where a pedestrian died.  Since January 1^st of this year there have been a total of 18 pedestrian fatalities, compared to 10 at this time last year.

“An overwhelming majority of crashes are preventable. Using crosswalks, limiting your distractions and slowing down can prevent you from being involved in a crash,” said Jana Simpler, Director for the Office of Highway Safety.

Motorcycle crashes are also trending upward with 9 fatalities to date this year. There were 15 motorcycle fatalities in all of 2014.  Factors leading to motorcycle crashes include speed and loss of control.  “With many more warm riding days ahead, we urge motorcyclists to freshen up their riding skills and take one of the rider training courses offered by DMV or other partners,”  said Alison Kirk Community Relations Officer, Office of Highway Safety. “If the crash trend continues, we may end with more motorcycle fatalities than last year.”

OHS reminds all drivers to go back to the basics of driving safety:  slow down, don’t drink and drive and always buckle up.  Plan extra time to get to any destination so you don’t let traffic frustration cause you to make a bad decision behind the wheel.

Follow OHS for regular updates on Facebook ArriveAliveDE, Twitter @DEHighwaySafe, and www.ohs.delaware.gov.

Pedestrian safety campaign emphasis how to cross safely

 Dover –  The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is asking people the age old question of “Why did the chicken cross the road?” But instead of why, they want to know how did the chicken cross the road, and they are hoping people are answering carefully.  There is an increased risk for pedestrian crashes during the summer months when more people are traveling and the resort area population increases.  That’s why OHS has teamed up with DelDOT again to educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways.

Since January 1^st of this year 12 pedestrians have died in traffic crashes in Delaware. That number is higher than at this time last year when there were only 8 pedestrian fatalities.  This is particularly alarming because it is only mid-year, with the fall season yet to come – a time of year when day light hours get shorter and sun glare becomes an issue, bringing an increased risk for more pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes.

The new pedestrian campaign effort in New Castle and Kent Counties will feature a chicken crossing the road that points out how and where to cross safely.  Paid media messaging will include DART bus ads, digital ads, and door hangers for homes along high crash roadways.

OHS will continue the beach-to-beach pedestrian initiative with Ocean City Maryland which features the happy crab image. Paid media messaging includes signage on lifeguard stands, in Tanger Outlets, and on the Jolly Trolley.  OHS will partner with towns to conduct pedestrian safety checks to provide safe walking tips and information.  The first event will take place with South Bethany Beach on Friday July 3^rd.

OHS will continue the educational pedestrian safety patrols with Bethany Beach PD, Dewey Beach PD, Fenwick Island PD, New Castle County PD, Newark PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, S. Bethany Beach PD, Wilmington PD, and  DSP Troops 2, 6, & 7.  These 2-officer patrols will occur over weekends scheduled in June, July, August, and September.  The officers will patrol high pedestrian crash locations to identify pedestrians who are at risk of being involved in a crash, such as those not crossing at marked crosswalks or signaled intersections, walking at dusk/night without a reflective item or flashlight, or walking impaired.  The officers will stop the pedestrian to provide education about how to walk safely near traffic, as well as provide them an informational flyer and a reflective string backpack.

Ultimately, highway safety officials and their partners agree that solving the problem will require active participation and buy-in from the motoring public and pedestrians alike.  By following these basic safety tips and pedestrian laws, everyone can learn to Walk Smart.

• Cross only at crosswalks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again. Only start to cross when it’s clear.
• Do not risk crossing outside of a crosswalk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.
• Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.
• Do not step into a crosswalk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.
• Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.
• Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them.
• Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.
• If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle.  Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance.  Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.
• If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.

For more information on the Walk Smart campaign and to find materials about pedestrian safety tips and laws, please visit http://ohs.delaware.gov/pedestrian.shtml, follow us on Twitter @DEHighwaySafe or on Facebook at ArriveAliveDE.

Dover – The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is stressing the importance of traffic safety after a deadly first week in July and reminding motorists law enforcement officers are out enforcing these laws to help protect the public and save lives.  Several enforcement campaigns are in effect to address speeding, impaired driving, motorcycle safety, pedestrian safety and seat belt use; most of which were a factor in the crashes last week.  Between July 1 and July 6, there were 347 crashes across the state that resulted in 4 fatalities and 113 injuries. Those killed included 1 motorcyclist and 3 other drivers.

Speed and motorcycle enforcement continues until July 12^th; seat belt enforcement is scheduled from July 18-31; the pedestrian safety campaign is scheduled from July 10-25 and impaired driving enforcement continues with Checkpoint Strikeforce each week through the end of the year.

A sobriety checkpoint is scheduled for Friday July 11 in Bear.  Last week a total of 86 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence in Delaware.  To date over 2,000 DUI arrests have been made since January 1^st 2014.

Motorcycle safety continues to be a major concern for safety official, as there have been 13 motorcycle fatalities this year compared to 8 at this time last year.  Helmet use among motorcyclists has declined.  Of those killed this year only 23% were wearing a helmet compared to 75% last year.  Although Delaware law does not require a rider to wear a helmet, it does require a helmet to be on the motorcycle.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012 in the U.S., 1,699 lives were saved by motorcycle helmet use.

Delaware also continues the pedestrian safety campaign in Sussex and New Castle counties, urging pedestrians to use crosswalks, sidewalks, and to be visible to motorists in low light or dark conditions.  Officers will be patrolling high pedestrian crash locations and stopping pedestrians who are not walking or crossing safely. Officers will provide the pedestrians with an educational flyer with safe walking tips included.  They will also answer any questions about the pedestrian safety law. There have been 150 pedestrian-involved crashes this year, resulting in 129 pedestrians injured and 9 pedestrians killed.  The majority of these involved pedestrian error, such as stepping into the path of a vehicle or not crossing in a crosswalk or marked intersection.

Speed has also been a factor in many of the crashes this year.  When speeding is coupled with impaired driving, distracted driving, disregarding traffic signals, or other traffic offenses, crashes are more likely to end in fatalities.  The OHS speed campaign is implementing new education and outreach tactics to get motorists to Slow Down and Arrive Alive.  These including working with businesses across the state to place large life-sized signs in high profile locations, posting reminders on social media, and making answers to frequently asked questions available through social media as well.

“Law enforcement officers are writing tickets to save lives,” said Alison Kirk, Community Relations Officer for OHS.  “If you receive a ticket we hope you will pause for a moment the next time you get in your vehicle, remember why you received the ticket and change the behavior that led to the ticket. Yes it may hurt your pocket to pay a fine, but it hurts a lot less than being in the hospital.”

Recently an Elsmere police officer pulled over an 18 year old male for not wearing his seat belt and gave him a ticket.  That same 18 year old, who just graduated from high school, was involved in a serious crash a few days later.  This time he was wearing his seat belt.  His mother, speaking with the investigating officer at the hospital, was aware of her son’s recent seat belt ticket and felt certain that ticket saved his life by making him buckle up.

OHS reminds all drivers to go back to the basics of driving safety:  slow down, don’t drink and drive and always buckle up.  Avoid using illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs before driving.  Plan extra time to get to any destination so you don’t let traffic frustration cause you to make a bad decision behind the wheel.

For updates follow OHS on Twitter @DEHighwaySafe, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE. Campaign specific information can be found at www.DUIrealtime.com, www.BuckleUpDE.org, www.MotorcycleSafetyDE.org.  NHTSA motorcycle information can be found at www.NHTSA.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.