Gov. Carney designates December as Safe Family Holiday Month

DELAWARE – Public safety officials are working to reduce crashes and crash-related deaths across the First State.

“To decrease the number of crashes and fatalities that we’re seeing on the roadways, especially during the holiday season,” said Jason Coleman, Traffic Safety Program Manager with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.

December is now designated as Delaware’s Safe Family Holiday Month. “The campaign focuses on driver behavior change, it’s kind of bringing awareness to those dangers of distracted driving,” Coleman explained.

Governor John Carney’s office, partnering on this initiative as the state has seen most of its crashes between October and January. The Office of Highway Safety says distracted driving is to blame.

“Leading cause of fatalities and serious industry crashes that involve distracted drivers driving under the influence, pedestrian safety, and speeding,” Coleman said.

In addition, Coleman recommends following the posted speed limits as speed-related crashes have increased. “An uptick in speed-related fatalities this year. Last year we saw 1/3 of fatalities, traffic fatalities were speed-related that number has increased by almost 50% this year,” Coleman described.

And if you do have to use the roadway this holiday season, make sure you’re being proactive. “Walking at night, make sure you’re wearing something bright that you’re being seen, and use the crosswalks if they’re available. Always make sure you’re buckled up. It can increase your chances by 50% to survive a crash,” Coleman said.

With this campaign in full swing, you can expect to see “an increased presence. We want every Delawarean to take personal responsibility to drive safe and practice the safe behaviors,” Coleman said.

The Office of Highway Safety also has a safety pledge available. You can read more about the initiative on the state’s website.