Delaware – August 22, 2017 – The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is typically celebrated through picnics, pool parties, and barbecues, as families and friends enjoy the last few days of summer before fall and winter approach. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday is also one of the deadliest, with impaired drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.
As part of the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (DOHS) is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. DOHS will be funding impaired driving enforcement from August 19 through September 5, 2017.
“We encourage Delawareans to plan ahead to make their Labor Day Weekend a safe holiday,” said Mitch Topal, DOHS Communications Specialist. “If you plan to drink, remember there are many options for ensuring that everyone gets home safely: Call an Uber, Lyft, taxi, or a sober friend.”
In 2016, there were 3,985 DUI arrests statewide and 43% of vehicular deaths were impaired-driving related. This year, DOHS has teamed up with law enforcement across the state to coordinate five multi-jurisdictional DUI checkpoints on September 2 at strategic locations: Two in New Castle County, one in Kent County and two in Sussex County, as follows:
New Castle County:
1. Route 7 in Wilmington
2. Route 72 in Newark
Kent County:
3. Route 13 near Dover
Sussex County
4. Route 24 in Millsboro
5. Concord Road in Seaford
These checkpoints will be staffed with law enforcement officers to ensure that anyone who is impaired will be arrested and removed from our roadways. In addition, a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) will be at each checkpoint as well to assist officers in recognizing signs of drug impairment. Both alcohol and drugs (prescription, as well as illegal drugs) cause impairment for drivers behind the wheel. These checkpoints are an important tool in keeping Delaware’s roadways safe.
