Del. traffic fatalities double between 2021 and 2022, police launch safety awareness campaign
DOVER, Del. – After traffic fatalities doubled between 2021 and 2022, Delaware State Police (DSP) and The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) are launching a safety awareness campaign.
Alarming Numbers
The jump in road deaths is the highest increase in 15 years. OHS says teens aged 19 and younger accounted for 30% of those deaths. Motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities also went up. Deaths in motorcyclists jumped from 14 to 24 between 2020 and 2022, while pedestrian fatalities increased from 24 to 29 between 2020 and 2022.
Average speeds also increased, and the number of people wearing seatbelts on the road fell. OHS officials also cited behavioral issues, like driving under the influence, aggressive driving, and pedestrian safety habits. “People deserve safe transportation, and it’s a shared responsibility that must be taken seriously by every roadway user,” said OHS Director Kimberly Chesser. “All of these fatalities are people that have passed away on our roadways, and their families and loved ones are left behind suffering.”
Tackling Traffic Deaths
The increasing traffic fatalities will be addressed in a few different ways by OHS and DSP. OHS says they will be working on community outreach, and launching an enforcement campaign between March 19th and March 27th.
Meanwhile, DSP says they will be increasing patrols, and working with school resource officers to spread the word of safety to young Delawareans. Police say Delawareans can also expect to see DUI checkpoints in the coming weeks. “Please know that when you see troopers engaging you on the roadside, in your classrooms, perhaps at your community meetings, we are doing so to prioritize your well-being and life safety,” said Col. Melissa Zebley with DSP.
In addition, April 8th will kick off the I95 Drive to Save Lives campaign. DSP will also be partnering with DelDOT to identify where most fatal accidents happen. They’ll use that information to begin improvements on roadways and signage. “This proactive engagement is centered on data analysis, which direct those towards are areas of the greatest concern,” said Col. Zebley.
Practicing Safe Driving Habits
Even with all of these efforts in place, police say the best thing drivers can do is to take personal responsibility behind the wheel. “Our own driving behavior, or individual vigilance in our thoughtfulness about those around us on the roadways, can save lives and can protect our own,” said Col. Zebley.
Police recommend slowing down, driving sober and undistracted, and buckling up.
