Fatal crashes are on the rise across Delaware with law enforcement officials attributing the increase to distracted driving, speeding and failure to use seatbelts.
According to recent Delaware State News article, fatalities from crashes have reached 107 so far in 2019 compared to 88 by this time last year. New Castle County has seen 42 fatal crashes, with 41 in Sussex and 16 in Kent.
Seatbelt violations and pedestrian deaths also saw an increase, while drug- and alcohol-involved crashes were lower, the article states, according to Delaware State Police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffee.
The Delaware State Police stressed certain safety tips in the article. Pedestrians should not walk while distracted and should wear bright-colored clothing, drivers should reduce their speed, watch out for other drivers’ actions, not drive drunk and buckle up.
“Give 100 percent of your attention to the road,” Jaffee said.
