Campaign aims to prevent holiday drinking and driving in Delaware

By Craig Anderson
Posted 11/20/21

DOVER — Delaware’s 120-plus roadway deaths this year have exceeded 2020’s 117.

Also, 2021 is on pace to surpass 2019’s 133 fatal roadway victims.

A high number of …

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already a member? Log in to continue.   Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Campaign aims to prevent holiday drinking and driving in Delaware

Posted

DOVER — Delaware’s 120-plus roadway deaths this year have exceeded 2020’s 117.

Also, 2021 is on pace to surpass 2019’s 133 fatal roadway victims.

A high number of incidents involve high speeds and reckless driving, Delaware Department of Transportation spokesman C.R. McLeod said.

Motorists can increase everyone’s safety with good behavior and less speed, Mr. McLeod said.

“With holiday travel volume expected to be high, we really need people to slow down and just be more courteous drivers to help everyone get where they are going safely,” he said.

Or, as AAA spokesman Ken Grant said, “Always pack your emergency kit and pack your patience as well.”

AAA projects a 12% increase in Delawareans traveling on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend from last year. That’s down nearly 4% from 2019, however, when the second highest traffic volume on record was recorded.

Speed, inebriation and distracted driving are the leading causes for crashes, and Mr. Grant said “it’s so frustrating because the crashes are so avoidable if motorists follow” safety tips.”

Regarding the last three winter holiday seasons, at least, crash-related statistics have trended downward, according to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

• In 2020, there were 2,646 holiday season crashes and nine deaths on Delaware roads. One-third of those deaths (three) and about 5% (128) of the crashes were DUI-related.

• In 2019, there were 3,083 holiday season crashes and 12 fatalities. Of those, 129 crashes and four of the fatalities were DUI-related.

• In 2018, there were 3,612 holiday season crashes and 15 fatalities. Of those, 137 of the crashes and six of the fatalities were DUI-related.

While the numbers are dropping, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety urges motorists to control their own destiny even more, especially through opting not to drink and drive.

OHS has partnered with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to conduct an active DUI-enforcement campaign from Dec. 10 through Dec. 26.

Enhanced enforcement of pedestrian safety laws runs from Nov. 27 to Dec. 19, and increased monitoring of occupant protection and distracted driving begins Nov. 21 and goes through Dec. 19.

Throughout the state, Delaware State Police said in a news release, troopers “will be focusing on safety and enforcement, which include distracted driving, motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, aggressive driving and especially, driving under the influence.”

“The holidays are known for being merry and bright, but they’re also known for being one of the deadliest seasons when it comes to drunk driving,” OHS Director Kimberly Chesser said. “Every holiday season, lives are lost due to impaired drivers.

“These tragedies are preventable. That’s why we’re asking all Delawareans to commit to keeping the roads free of drunk drivers, so that everyone can have a safe holiday.

“One way to do that is by celebrating this holiday season with a plan that includes a sober driver.”

DSP provided tips for drivers to increase safety tor themselves and others while on the road:

• Ensure all occupants are properly restrained.

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.

• If you see a drunk or aggressive driver on the road, immediately contact 911 as soon as safely possible.

• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

Members and subscribers make this story possible.
You can help support non-partisan, community journalism.

x
X