Drivers Needed for DART’s Upcoming Beach Bus Season

Dover – May has arrived and the beginning of DART’s Beach Bus season is just a few weeks away. After a successful 2021 season with almost 160,000 riders, DART’s contractor, First Transit, is in need of drivers to meet the demand as residents and visitors take advantage of this convenient service to avoid traffic and parking challenges.

With First Transit, Drivers can earn $20 per hour and receive a signing bonus of $3,000 if they have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL); $2,000 without a CDL. For those without a CDL, First Transit will provide CDL training.

“First Transit currently has 44 of the needed 62 drivers to operate our Beach Bus service and need several more qualified drivers to meet our scheduled service needs for the upcoming summer season to avoid any reduction in service,” said Delaware Transit Corporation CEO John Sisson.

Those interested in the position can apply at workatfirst.com, and search Rehoboth Beach.

Starting May 23, DART’s daily Beach Bus service will be on the road to provide convenient, safe and clean rides to visitors and residents. The bus routes serve Rehoboth Beach and the Boardwalk, Lewes, Long Neck, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, Millsboro and Georgetown through September 11.

With the free DART Transit app, riders can plan their trip, view bus stops, get real-time bus information, and track the bus along its route. And, for faster boarding and convenience, riders can pay their fare with DART Pass, a contactless mobile payment app.

Effort aims to raise awareness on beach restrictions, individual responsibility in COVID-19 mitigation, ahead of Memorial Day Weekend and summer season

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Friday launched the “Summer Safely” public education campaign in partnership with the beach towns, local Chambers of Commerce, the Delaware Tourism Office, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).

The public education effort seeks to reinforce the restrictions on the Delaware beaches and to encourage Delawareans to take the proper steps to mitigate COVID-19 as we head into the summer season. Governor Carney lifted State of Delaware restrictions that limited access for only walking and exercise starting at 5:00 p.m. today, May 22, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

The key messages of the “Summer Safely” initiative are:

• Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet apart.
• Wear a face covering in public places.
• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.
• Stay home if you’re sick.

“We look forward to welcoming Delawareans back at the beach this weekend, but we all need to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Carney. “Wear a face covering in public settings. Keep your distance from others. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. I know it’s unusual, but we know that’s the best way to prevent transmission of the disease. Now’s not the time to let up.”

The campaign will begin on Friday with metal signage at entryways to the beaches, stickers on takeout containers, and decals on windows of retailers. Promotional tactics will expand as the summer progresses.

A team of Beach Ambassadors in “Summer Safely” t-shirts will also greet beachgoers starting this Friday to educate Delawareans about the proper ways to mitigate coronavirus and point individuals to resources when they seek additional information. The team of Beach Ambassadors have been trained by the Division of Public Health and the Delaware Tourism Office on how to address questions and the resources to provide members of the public. Beach Ambassadors also will use and distribute hand sanitizer produced by Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna.

“For many, travel will be different this year. As we enter this season, we join with state and local leaders to remind everyone to summer safely and hope Delawareans will use this opportunity to rediscover the landscapes and tourism businesses in their own backyards,” said Liz Keller, Delaware Tourism Director. “The beaches are part of what makes Delaware such a special place to live in and travel to. We also look forward to welcoming back out-of-state visitors when it is once again safe to do so.”

“As Health Secretary I know it’s important for people to spend time outside for physical activity as a way to bolster both our physical and emotional health,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. “While we know that the risk for transmission of the virus does decrease when we are outdoors, we must remain vigilant about maintaining social distancing, wearing a face covering if we can’t stay 6 feet away from others, washing our hands and using hand sanitizer as often as possible, and coughing and sneezing into our face covering or our elbow. To keep the beaches open, we all need to help prevent flare-ups of COVID-19 by protecting ourselves and others.”

“We know the importance of getting outdoors, to stay active and healthy, maybe now more than ever,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “Our beaches within Delaware State Parks can be a space for Delawareans to safely enjoy the outdoors – to swim, boat, fish, kayak and more – but only if everyone follows the public health requirements to avoid groups and practice social distancing. We’ll do our part to monitor the number of visitors to our parks, but we also urge Delawareans to take this time to explore our less-traveled parks, trails and spaces.”

“The Association of Coastal Towns membership has worked cooperatively with Governor Carney, State officials and local leaders to ensure a consistent message is relayed to our residents and visitors this coming summer season,” said Association of Coastal Towns Chairman Gene Langan. “The message being conveyed is to come enjoy Delaware’s beautiful beaches and do so safely. We are looking forward to an improving health situation in Delaware and welcoming back visitors to all of our beaches.”

“All of our businesses are ready to once again open their doors and get back to business,” said the Association of Chambers of Commerce in Delaware. “As the Chambers of Commerce in Delaware, we ask everyone in the state, residents and visitors, to do their part so that we can all get back to business as normal and all enjoy shopping locally.”

“Small Businesses and tourism are the lifeblood of our state, and Painted Stave Distilling is very pleased to be able to help get our state beaches open through the beach ambassador program,” said Mike Rasmussen, Co-owner Painted Stave Distilling. “COVID-19 has forced many small businesses to shift how we do business, and we are glad that we have been able to produce something needed to stay safe by so many businesses and citizens in our state.”

For additional details about Delaware’s economic reopening, visit de.gov/economy. 

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medical-related questions related to testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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Harrington Police Department

Chief of Police Norman R. Barlow

Harrington Police Conduct Traffic Initiative for 2019 Delaware State Fair

For Immediate Release

Harrington, DE (August 2, 2019) – During the 10 days of the 2019 Delaware State Fair, the Harrington Police Department conducted several patrols within the city limits targeting distracted driving. These patrols were in conjunction with the Office of Highway Safety 2019 Delaware State Fair Initiative. Officers on patrol worked 4 hours a day and 3 officers were assigned to each patrol. 183 tickets were issued over the 10-day course of the fair.

“The Harrington Police Department is committed to ensuring drivers are keeping their eyes on the road through these non-traditional techniques to enforce the law and provide education. We want people to have fun in Harrington at the Delaware State Fair, but we also want visitors to travel to and from as safely as possible,” Captain Earl K. Brode, Public Information Officer, Harrington Police Department.

With the increase of both pedestrian traffic and motor vehicle traffic during the Delaware State Fair, the Harrington Police Department’s primary goal is to ensure the safety of all the citizens who live in Harrington and those who come to visit the Delaware State Fair.

“With the increased traffic activity surrounding the Delaware State Fair, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety was pleased to partner with the Harrington Police Department in support of their Distracted Driving efforts. Drivers need to be hyper-vigilant and truly focus on road changes where traffic patterns differ due to events like this.  Events aren’t an excuse to use your phone and lose sight of the road,” Sarah Cattie, Distracted Driving Program Manager, Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

Media Contacts:

Captain Earl K. Brode

Public Information Officer

Harrington Police Department

Earl.Brode@CJ.State.DE.US

Marketing Specialist Cynthia Cavett

Public Information Officer

Office of Highway Safety

Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov 

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist & Public Information Officer

Delaware Office of Highway Safety

Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov

302-744-2743

DUI Initiative Running From July 3rd Through July 7th

DOVER, De. (July 1, 2019) – The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is pleased to announce that it is reactivating its SoberLift program, in partnership with Lyft^®, for the second consecutive year over the Fourth of July holiday to Delaware’s beach resort community.

The program will begin on Wednesday, July 3, at 4 p.m. and run through Sunday, July 7, at 2 a.m., and will provide free Lyft^® vouchers* (maximum value of $15) for individuals who want a safe ride during that time period. To participate in the program, individuals need to text “SoberLift” to 99000 to redeem the discount code. It will be available in Delaware beach towns: Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, South Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island.

“Delaware continues to see far too many tragedies caused by impaired driving especially at the beaches during the July 4^th holiday weekend, “Richard Klepner, Impaired Driving Program Manager, Office of Highway Safety. “It is critical for people to understand the negative consequences of driving under the influence, and we’re thankful to our partners for providing funding to allow Delawareans to plan ahead for a safe ride home.”

Throughout the state from 2014 to 2018, 4^th of July weekend saw 53 DUI-related crashes and five DUI-related fatalities. Reports indicate that DUI crashes occur between 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Delaware beaches. This region – east of DE-1 between Dewey Beach, northern limits and Old Mill Pond Bridge – also lead the state with 46 DUI-related crashes in 2018.

Street teams will be present ahead of the holiday weekend, handing out vouchers for SoberLift codes, as well as promoting the program at local bars, restaurants, and other local businesses. Campaign sponsors include: Breakthru Beverage DE, Allstate, Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen, First State Brew Bus, Kelly’s Logan House, Washington Street Ale House/Oyster House, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Delaware Department of Insurance, Dewey Business Partnership, Bluecoast Seafood and Grill Rehoboth, The Starboard, Grain, Liquid Alchemy Brewing, Aloysius Butler & Clark (AB&C) and Deardorff.

Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist and Public Information Officer for OHS adds, “We’ve said it before and we will say it again, just one impaired driver can negatively impact the lives of so many people. So while we encourage all Delawareans to have fun, make sure you make safe choices. Utilize our ridesharing program SoberLift, and Arrive Alive this holiday weekend.”

In addition, OHS is partnering with the Delaware State Police and local law enforcement 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.

*The number of daily codes, available between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m., will be limited.

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.

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.