The Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is in full swing. The educational effort aims to save lives on Delaware roads this Labor Day weekend. The increased number of crash-related deaths and injuries is a nationwide problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 451 crash fatalities during the 2019 Labor Day weekend, 45% of which involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
Delaware Office of Highway Safety data shows 76 DUI-related vehicle accidents occurred statewide in 2020. Five people lost their lives, and 46 were injured. Unfortunately, Labor Day weekend seems to generate excessive drinking. Arranging a designated driver or a ride service are ways that party-goers can save their own and others’ lives.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign
The NHTSA reports that at least one drunk-driving crash occurs per hour nationwide, causing over 10,000 deaths each year. That is enough motivation for the OHS to put all their effort into educating Delaware drivers about the dangers of impaired driving, including:
- Educate people on the state’s drunk driving laws.
- Demonstrate the potentially devastating consequences of DUI-related accidents and rely on available interactive tools to prevent driving while impaired.
- Encourage motorists to arrange rides home or stay over.
- Encourage those serving alcohol at parties they host to ensure all their guests have safe rides home.
Drivers in Delaware should be aware of the legal consequences of causing drunk driving accidents. Along with criminal charges, they might face personal injury and/or wrongful death lawsuits filed by victims and surviving family members of deceased accident victims pursuing damage recovery.