Impaired driving crackdown aims to educate public, prevent tragedies

Continuing the fight against impaired driving, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety has launched its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign, running through Friday, Sept. 5. 

Historically, the Labor Day holiday weekend has been one of the deadliest periods for impaired driving. OHS and local law enforcement are stepping up enforcement through high-visibility DUI patrols with public education to deter impaired driving and prevent tragedies.

Between 2020 and 2024, the state recorded 641 crashes causing death, with 39% involving alcohol or drugs — crashes that could have been prevented. In 2024 alone, there were 1,033 crashes, 85 serious injuries, and 4,093 arrests involving impaired driving. Males accounted for 71% of impaired driving fatalities in Delaware.

OHS urges drivers to plan ahead before drinking, secure a designated driver or use a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber. Friends should take the keys from anyone considering driving drunk, and the public is encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement.

Consequences and costs of a DUI in Delaware include: loss of driver’s license; an average of $6,300 in fines, court costs and attorney fees; possible jail time; alcohol and drug counseling ($400-$900); installation of an ignition interlock device ($480); and higher auto insurance premiums.

Learn more at ArriveAliveDE.com.