DOVER, DE — According to a recently released report, Delaware witnessed a significant decrease in road fatalities in 2023. The state reported 137 fatalities, marking a 16 percent decrease from the previous year when 164 fatalities were recorded.
This heartening trend spanned across all modes of transportation, with pedestrian fatalities down by 13 percent, bicyclist fatalities reduced by 29 percent, and a significant 32 percent decrease in motorcyclist fatalities from the previous year.
“Reducing fatalities on our roads has been a primary focus of DelDOT and our partner agencies, and there is more work to do. We are working every day to make our roads safer for everyone,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.
Governor John Carney emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility. Whether one travels by car, public transit, foot, or bike, he urged Delawareans to pay attention to traffic rules, obey speed limits, and always plan for sober rides.
“While we are encouraged by the overall decline in traffic fatalities, substantial work remains ahead. Let’s continue to prioritize safety and promote responsible driving habits. Together, we can forge a future where our roads become safer and secure for everyone,” stated Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen, Jr.
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) reaffirmed its commitment to road safety. According to OHS Director Sharon Bryson, the office plans to form meaningful partnerships and engage more actively within the community to spread their safety message more effectively. The OHS will also continue to collaborate with traffic safety partners, state and local law enforcement to raise awareness and keep fatalities down.
In a bid to keep the momentum going and to discuss new initiatives, DelDOT, Delaware State Police, and the Office of Highway Safety will be holding a safety summit on April 17, 2024, at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The summit aims to address ongoing efforts to reduce crashes and fatalities on Delaware roads.
Despite the progress, the work is far from over. With three fatalities already recorded on Delaware roads in 2024, the state’s commitment to road safety remains more important than ever. AWe must all do our part to keep our roads safe and prevent these avoidable tragedies.
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