With one month left in the year, Delaware’s highway fatalities have neared the 2021 total.
The state reported 138 traffic fatalities in 2022, one shy of last year’s 139 incidents. Last year’s total was the most since 2006.
“Thousands of Delawareans will take to the roads in the coming weeks to visit friends and family near and far and no matter your destination, we remind drivers to put their safety and that of those around them first,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski in a news release.
Last year, the state had 33 traffic fatalities that took place in November and December, according to the release.
“The Office of Highway Safety recently launched its 'Safe Family Holiday' campaign to address the leading causes of holiday crashes in Delaware: driving under the influence, speeding, distracted driving and pedestrian safety, and encourages Delawareans to make responsible choices on our roadways,” Kimberly Chesser, director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, said in a release.
Chesser cautioned residents to not forget safe driving behaviors during the holiday season.
“During the holidays people tend to get wrapped up in celebrations and activities 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,” Chesser said.
Of the 2021 highway traffic fatalities, according to the release, 36% involved drugs and alcohol.
“We must all work together to prevent and eliminate crashes leading to serious injuries and deaths in our state,” Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr. said in a release. “Safety is our No. 1 priority. We strongly encourage everyone to slow down, avoid distractions behind the wheel and be on the lookout for people walking and biking. It is imperative we all take an active role to protect each other.”
Last year, according to the release, more than 8,200 people were seriously injured in crashes.
