- Traffic fatalities in the state have increased from 117 in 2020 to 139 in 2021 to a record-tying 165 last year.
- The proposed laws address speeding, open containers of alcohol, motorcycle helmets, child safety seats, the “move over” law and snow plow lights.
Several hours after another traffic fatality in Delaware, state leaders held a press conference Wednesday to introduce six proposed laws designed to improve safety on the roads.
Gov. John Carney and Transportation Secretary Nicole Majeski led the announcement at the Delaware Highway Memorial Garden at the Smyrna Rest Area, a place of remembrance dedicated to those who have died on Delaware’s roads.
“We have a crisis on our roadways and we need to act now,” Gov. John Carney said. “This package of legislation, along with the current activities and protection measures, will expand safety measures for all Delawareans and travelers.”
Traffic fatalities in the state have increased from 117 in 2020 to 139 in 2021 to a record-tying 165 last year.
More on last year’s fatal crashes:Delaware’s 165 traffic fatalities in 2022 tie a record set in 1988
This year more than 30 people have died in traffic crashes, Majeski said.
Many causes were mentioned, but speeding topped the list.
“Speeding is a problem,” said Rep. Frank Cooke, D-Dunleith. “I travel Route 1 all the time. They’re going past 90 miles per hour, no doubt about it.”
He said in his career as a police officer, he investigated many fatal vehicle crashes, and he felt sorrow for the victims and their families, especially the children.
“These people speeding need to be held responsible because it’s destroying our highways. It’s destroying lives,” Cooke said.
More on Wednesday’s fatal collision:Man killed in early morning crash after hitting police vehicle on Kirkwood Highway
What are the proposed laws?
Speeding – A speeding violation of 90 mph or more automatically results in a reckless driving charge as well.
Alcohol – Open containers of alcohol would be prohibited in most vehicles except for buses, taxis, limousines, living quarters of motor homes or trailers. The penalty would be a civil penalty that wouldn’t go on a driving record. Delaware is one of five states that hasn’t prohibited open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. Alcohol was a factor in 26% of the state’s fatal crashes in 2021.
“Move over” law – The law requiring drivers to move a lane away from stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks would be expanded to require drivers to change lanes or reduce their speed while approaching any stopped vehicle on the shoulder or roadway displaying warning signals including flashing lights, traffic cones or caution signs. Last year, 13 people were killed while in or near stopped vehicles on Delaware roads.
Motorcycle helmets – Helmets would be required for motorcyclists in the first two years after receiving their motorcycle license. Now, motorcycle helmets are required for ages 18 and under and by motorcyclists in their initial permit period. The new helmet requirement would also apply to mopeds and tripeds. Over the past five years, 35 motorcyclists were killed and 143 were seriously injured on Delaware roadways while not wearing helmets.
Child safety seats – The safety seat law now requires an “appropriate” car seat or booster. The law would be revised with specific requirements:
- Children under 2 and under 30 pounds would need to be in a rear-facing safety seat with a five-point harness.
- Children under 4 and under 40 pounds would need to be in either a front-facing or rear-facing safety seat with a five-point harness.
- Children 4-16 would need to be in a booster seat until reaching the maximum height and weight limits and then use a seat belt.
If the new law passes, enforcement would start after a yearlong awareness campaign.
Improved snowplow lights – The law would allow revolving or flashing green lights on state-owned snowplows to increase visibility.
Safety programs underway in response to fatalities
The Delaware State Police and Delaware Department of Transportation are already involved in programs to improve safety and crack down on violations, including:
- Increased enforcement for speeding and distracted drivers.
- Increased intersection safety measures to catch drivers running red lights and blocking intersections.
- Investments to improve traffic intersections and pedestrian crossings and add sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
- Increased enforcement of illegal truck parking.
- A trial program of warning signs and lights to notify wrong-way drivers before they enter a road against oncoming traffic.
Funding proposed for more patrols on problem roads
Carney’s recommended budget for the 2024 fiscal year includes $2.7 million from the Transportation Trust Fund to create a traffic education and enforcement unit.
The unit would include 11 officers to patrol the roads that have the most incidents, to try to cut down on speeding and other driving violations.
Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.
