It’s a wonderful time of the year. The time of year when we celebrate our accomplishments, consider our challenges, and join friends and family in welcoming the New Year. Here at OHS, we find ourselves doing the same thing.

What you need to know 

When looking over the preliminary crash data for 2013, it appears that Delaware has experienced fewer fatal crashes than at this time last year.  This means that we are on track to see fewer overall crashes and fewer overall deaths as the year comes to an end.  Here are the facts that you need to know: 

• Thus far, there have been 10% fewer crashes and 10% fewer deaths in 2013 than in 2012. 
• Alcohol-related crashes make up 34% of the total crashes to date this year, compared to 49% at this time last year.
• Seat belt use in fatal crashes is slightly down from 2012.  Nearly half of all vehicle passengers killed are not properly buckled.
• Aggressive driving continues to contribute to 1/3 of all crashes.

What you can do 

Like you, we look forward to celebrating the holidays.  But there is a balance between having fun and being responsible to those who depend on you.  That’s why both awareness and enforcement are cornerstones of our annual Safe Family Holiday campaign; with the goal of keeping families safe during this very special time of year.  

• The DUI Tree project brings awareness of the prevalence of alcohol-involved crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year.  Check our virtual DUI Tree for weekly updates during the holiday season at www.DUIrealtime.com/safeholidays.  
• Holiday Mocktail events are planned statewide to encourage responsible party planning.  Safe and Sober Party Guides are always free of charge and available online at http://ohs.delaware.gov/pdfs/2013/mocktail/Safe-Sober_MocktailUpdate_HolidaySeason.pdf.  
• Be aware that enforcement is statewide and ongoing from now through the end of the year. Enforcement includes sobriety checkpoints and overtime patrols looking for aggressive and impaired drivers, as well as anyone who is not properly secured in a seat belt.

Drive Safe.  Arrive Alive DE. 

This message is being sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov. 

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