Drug Recognition Experts on Patrol in Delaware

Dover –  A new crackdown on impaired driving in Delaware will start June 26th.  Delaware’s twelve drug recognition expert officers (DRE) statewide will be focused on removing drug impaired drivers from behind the wheel.  They will also be on call to assist with suspected drug impaired drivers stopped by non DRE officers.

A DRE is a police officer trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.  The DRE officer may be called to a DUI stop if a driver has failed the standardized field sobriety tests but the driver does not have a measurable breath alcohol concentration.  The DRE can perform a battery of tests to determine if other drugs may be causing the impairment. All DRE officers can work statewide and can be called out to any DUI stop if needed.

In Delaware, impaired driving includes driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, both illicit and prescription.  Many drivers are unaware they can be charged with DUI if they drive while under the influence of prescription drugs.  While these drugs are legal and prescribed by doctors to address legitimate medical issues, drivers should heed the labels that warn users not to operate vehicles or heavy machinery after consumption.  These legally prescribed drugs can and will affect one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Some drugs, such as anti-anxiety drugs, can dull alertness and slow reaction time while others, such as stimulants, encourage risk-taking and impair the ability of the driver to judge distances.  The most common prescription drugs found in the offending driver’s system are Codeine, Xanax, Valium, Percocet, Nembutol Ambien, and many cough syrups.

Delaware DRE officers come from DSP, Newark PD, University of Delaware PD, and Rehoboth Beach PD. There are currently more than 6,300 active DREs in the United States.  There are also more than 500 in Canada.  Other countries are also starting to train DREs, including China – 2, Australia – 1, Germany – 1, and the Virgin Islands – 1.

The penalties for a DUI are the same regardless if caused by alcohol or drugs.  Penalties for a first time DUI conviction include loss of license, possible 6 months jail time, $500 to $1,500 in fines, and mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug education and/or treatment program as well as mandatory ignition interlock device.  The costs associated with a first time DUI can amount to approximately $6,300.00.  Subsequent DUI convictions include mandatory jail time and higher fines.

The DRE program is coordinated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) through the International Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) program, with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  More information about the DRE program can be found at http://www.decp.org/.


How Did The Chicken Cross The Road? Carefully.

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 1st 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 3rd.

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.Pedestrian Happy Crab Poster
  • 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.


‘Share the Road’ Campaign Aims to Increase Motorcycle Safety Awareness for All Road Users

Dover –The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), along with state and local law enforcement are reminding motorists to Share The Road, and reminding motorcyclists to Respect Your Ride. From May 22nd to June 6th, law enforcement across the state will be patrolling high crash roadways ensuring that both motorists and motorcyclists are sharing the road and ensuring that motorcyclists are complying with the state’s motorcycle safety laws.

The Share The Road campaign is aimed at motorists to be extra alert and to keep an eye out for motorcyclists on Delaware roadways.   Motorists are reminded to allow for more following distance between you and the motorcyclists and allow a motorcyclist the full lane width, do not try to share the lane. Although it may seem that there is enough room in the traffic lane for a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely.

The Respect Your Ride campaign, aimed at motorcyclists, directs riders to www.MotorcyclesafetyDE.org, where they can find information about the proper tools and training to make them the safest rider they can be, as well as popular riding routes in Delaware and links on how to apply for a motorcycle license. OHS also posted a series of interviews with riders about their riding experience, training, and tips for other riders to promote safe riding and to also give insight to motorists about what it is like to ride in Delaware.

Over the last five years, motorcycle fatalities averaged 12 percent of all total fatalities in Delaware. Delaware has seen 4 motorcycle fatalities this year compared to 7 at this time last year. Saturday trends as the day when most fatalities and injuries occur on a motorcycle. Alcohol use among riders is also a contributing factor to crashes and fatalities. Thirty-six percent of motorcycle riders who were killed in the last five years were impaired.

“Wearing a helmet is an important way for a motorcyclist to stay safe, but we all play a part. It’s up to all motorists and motorcyclists to make our roads safer,” said Jana Simpler, Director for the Office of Highway Safety. “All road users need to share the responsibility of keeping the roadways safe. By following road signs, obeying speed limits, and always staying focused on the road, deaths will be prevented.”

Tips for drivers to prevent a crash with a motorcycle:

  • Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
  • Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
  • If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
  • Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
  • Always allow more following distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
  • Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcyclists must also take precautions to remain safe on the road. Increase your safety by following these steps:

  • Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
  • Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
  • Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
  • Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
  • Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
  • Never ride distracted or impaired.

“By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes,” said Simpler. “Our message is for all drivers and riders: Share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe—always share the road.”

Law enforcement agencies participating in the May 22nd to June 6th mobilization include Blades PD, Camden PD, Clayton PD, Dewey Beach PD, Dover PD, Laurel PD, Milford PD, Millsboro PD, New Castle City PD, New Castle County PD, Newark PD, Newport PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, Seaford PD, Smyrna PD, and DSP.

For more information on any of the OHS campaigns visit www.ohs.delaware.gov and follow regular campaign updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.


Click It or Ticket Campaign Starts May 11th

Your safety is in your hands. Buckle Up.

Dover – Once again, the Office of Highway Safety (OHS) and law enforcement across Delaware are reminding motorists that your safety is in your hands and to always buckle up as the Click It or Ticket campaign kicks off May 11. As part of the national seat belt enforcement campaign, Delaware law enforcement agencies will be stepping up enforcement May 11 through 25, just prior to one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

“Every day, unbuckled motorists lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes,” said Kim Chesser, OHS Occupant Protection program manager. “As we approach Memorial Day weekend and the summer vacation season, we want to remind people to buckle up.  Buckling up will keep you from getting a ticket, and more importantly, it could save your life.”

Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, Delaware law requires everyone in the vehicle to buckle up every trip, every time.  The cost of not using one just isn’t worth it. Motorists who are not in compliance with state seat belt laws face fines and court costs up to $83.50.

The Click It or Ticket campaign is credited with motivating millions of motorists to always use their seat belts.  Only 71 percent of Delawareans used seat belts when the campaign began in 2002.  Today 92 percent of Delawareans buckle up.  In 2014, there were 35 fatalities in Delaware resulting from crashes in which drivers or passengers were not wearing seat belts.  Wearing a seat belt increases the chances of surviving a serious crash by 50 percent.  In pickup trucks, that number jump to 60 percent as those vehicles are more likely than cars to roll over in a crash.  In roll over crashes, seat belts help keep occupants from being ejected from the vehicles.

In addition to stepped-up enforcement, Click It or Ticket will include paid media in the form of TV, billboards, online advertising, and more.  OHS will also promote seat belt safety through community outreach, social media, and public awareness activities including seat belt checks, dispelling the myths of non-seat belt users on www.buckleupde.org, seat belt educational activities at Dover International Speedway, and a seat belt challenge to all the high schools in Delaware.

The OHS will be conducting a contest among Delaware high schools to see which one has the highest increase in seat belt use.  Each school resource officer (SRO) will be asked to conduct a seat belt check, then recruit a team of student volunteers to conduct seat belt educational activities and outreach for one week in their respective high schools. The SRO will then conduct another seat belt check and the school with the highest percentage increase in seat belt use will win.  The winning SRO will be the Grand Marshal for the Buckle Up 200 presented by the Click It or Ticket NASCAR Xfinity series race on Saturday May 30th at Dover International Speedway.  The winning team of student volunteers will receive a pizza party donated by Grottos pizza and the winning school will receive a banner to display outside their school and on their website.

Dover International Speedway has partnered with OHS to promote seat belt use and awareness through a social media contest providing fans the opportunity to win tickets to the Saturday, May 30, 2015 “Buckle Up 200” presented by the Click It or Ticket NASCAR XFINITY Series race.  To enter, simply take a photo of yourself or your passengers wearing a seatbelt in your vehicle and post it to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #BuckleUpSelfie! Your vehicle should not be in motion while taking the picture. 

One random winner will be selected to receive:
• Two (2) tickets for the “Buckle Up 200” presented by Click It or Ticket
• Two (2) pit passes
• Two (2) tickets to The Pit Stop
• The opportunity to be on stage during driver introductions
• A chance to be in Victory Lane after the race

Get the seat belt facts:

  • Delaware law enforcement issue an average of 998 seat belt tickets per month
  • May, June, July are the months with the most seat belt tickets written in Delaware
  • Each individual fatality costs society $1.4 million dollars
  • From 2008-2012 seat belts saved nearly 63,000 lives
  • Most crashes happen within 25 miles of home. Always buckle up.

Learn more about seat belts by visiting www.buckleupde.org.


Be a Saint. Drive Sober.

Office of Highway Safety announces St. Patrick’s DUI Enforcement

Dover – St. Patrick’s Day brings to mind shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and good luck. But don’t rely on luck to can save you from a drunk-driving crash. The New Castle County DUI Task Force will be conducting a DUI checkpoint near Wilmington this Saturday the 14th to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the city. Last year, police arrested a total of 48 individuals for DUI during St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Lisa Shaw, Office of Highway Safety DUI program coordinator offered this advice to partygoers: “Get ahead of the decision this year. If you know you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with alcohol, then figure out a plan in advance that will get you home safely. Don’t wait until you’re too buzzed to decide, and don’t ever ride with a friend who’s been drinking.” Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, so if you have anything to drink be sure you can count on a sober friend, a taxi, or public transportation. Not drinking? Maybe this St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll be the saint who drives your friend’s home. Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

Let’s make 2015 different. Use this party-planning checklist to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

  • NOW: Even if you don’t have plans yet, plan to drive sober or designate a sober driver. Save the number of a taxi company in your phone so you always have a backup plan. You can find taxi numbers on our website http://www.duirealtime.com/Taxi.
  • WHEN YOU MAKE PLANS: A sober driver is an essential part of any party plan. Once you know where you’ll celebrate, decide whether you’re drinking or You can only choose one.
  • ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. If you’re the designated driver, don’t drink. Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and brag about your VIP (very important partygoer) status online using the hashtag #designateddriver. Only drive sober or ride with a sober driver.
  • EVERY DAY: If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely. If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Drunk driving has fatal consequences. If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911 immediately. You could save a life.

In 2014, 54 percent (67 of 124) of all vehicle deaths in Delaware were alcohol related.  Since January 1st of this year, there have been seven (7) alcohol-related traffic deaths compared to eight (8) at this time last year.  For more information on OHS’s year round DUI efforts please visit our website at www.ohs.delaware.gov .