Dover – Labor Day weekend is one of the most dangerous times for driving due to increased drunk driving, police warn.
As summer ends, many people celebrate with parties and drinks. Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD is urging everyone to use a ride-sharing service or have a designated driver if they plan to drink.
This weekend, MADD is sponsoring “Saturation Saturday” in Delaware to boost enforcement and keep roads safe during this busy travel period. This initiative is part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, which runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2. Police will increase patrols statewide to catch impaired drivers.
Bryna Clark-Braverman from MADD Mid-Atlantic says, “Saturation Saturday is a chance to join with law enforcement and send a clear message: if you drive impaired, you will be caught.” She advises people to plan for a safe ride home, whether through a ride-share service, a sober driver, or public transportation.
In 2022, there were 490 crash fatalities nationwide over Labor Day, with 39% involving drunk drivers. In Delaware, DUI-related fatalities have been decreasing, with none of the 73 traffic deaths in 2024 linked to drugs or alcohol so far this year. However, this number could rise as investigations are completed.
In 2023, there were 26 DUI-related traffic deaths in Delaware by mid-July. DUI crashes were most common in Sussex County (50%), followed by New Castle County (31%) and Kent County (19%). Men were involved in 81% of these crashes.
Last Labor Day weekend, Delaware saw 66 DUI arrests. Sharon Bryson from the Office of Highway Safety emphasizes the serious consequences of drunk driving, including financial costs, criminal records, and potential harm to oneself and others.
The cost of a DUI can exceed $10,000, including legal fees, fines, and increased insurance rates. Offenders may also face jail time, license suspension, and medical expenses.
As summer ends, Bryson reminds drivers to plan for a sober ride if they will be drinking. Impaired driving is never acceptable when there are so many safe alternatives, she says.