Highway safety campaign aims to reduce crashes during festive season

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety has begun its annual holiday safety campaign, designed to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths on Delaware roadways during a time of year that consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous for the traveling public.

The campaign will run through Dec. 31 utilizing high-visibility enforcement in conjunction with an integrated, multifaceted communications strategy to reach high-risk audiences. To add to the credibility of the messaging and ensure it reaches the right audiences in the right places, OHS has partnered with businesses and organizations including bars and restaurants, faith-based organizations and holiday markets.

In support of the campaign, the OHS Safety Snowman and Zoey Glowey will appear at Schellville 2022 Enchanted Winter Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18, in Rehoboth Beach.

“Our Safe Family Holiday campaign focuses on ensuring safe driving habits and encourages Delawareans to make responsible choices. People tend to get wrapped up in celebrations and activities during the holidays, and relax their safe driving behaviors. Drivers are reminded of poor winter weather conditions, increased holiday traffic and more pedestrian activity, meaning more dangerous conditions that require your full attention behind the wheel,” said Kimberly Chesser, Delaware Office of Highway Safety director.

The OHS Safe Family Holiday campaign addresses the leading causes of holiday crashes in Delaware: driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving and pedestrian safety. In addition to the support of business and community partners who will help display and distribute traffic safety messaging, OHS will connect with Delawareans statewide through a mix of paid advertising, social media, public relations and grassroots engagements at multiple community events.

Key points to remember before making driving decisions this season:

• When planning a night out that includes drinking, make sure to plan for a sober ride home. Use a rideshare service or public transportation, or call a friend or family member for a ride.
• With worsening road conditions this time of year, it’s extremely important to avoid distractions while driving. Put down the  phone, always buckle up, and focus on the road ahead.
• Everyone is itching to get home for the holiday. Slow down and follow posted speed limits before things get ugly.
• Those choosing to walk home from celebrations should wear bright or reflective clothing and/or items to make themselves visible as possible.

Motorists also need to be aware of increased pedestrian activity as visibility may be impaired due to hazardous weather and shorter daylight hours during the winter months.

From Nov. 21 to Dec. 31 last year, there were three crash-related deaths due to impaired driving/DUI and 476 arrests. Speed was involved in 43 vehicle fatalities, accounting for approximately 32% of all traffic fatalities during that time. In 2021, 29 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes. While seat belt use is at an all-time high in Delaware, currently 36% of crash deaths occur when a vehicle occupant is not restrained – a 21% increase from 2021. A person who texts while driving is three times more likely to cause a crash than a driver under the influence of alcohol. Approximately 25% of Delaware’s crashes can be attributed at least in part to distracted driving.

To learn more, go to arrivealivede.com.