Delaware Office of Highway Safety Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week from September 20 – 26, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist & Public Information Officer Delaware Office of Highway Safety Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov 302-744-2743 DOVER, Del. (September 21, 2020) – Child Passenger Safety Week is a nationwide campaign that spreads critical awareness and […]

Smyrna, DE – As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, we must be reminded of the hazards winter brings. Every year, winter weather conditions such as snow and freezing temperatures cause deaths, injuries, illnesses, and property damage in Delaware. Last year’s mild winter is not an indicator of what’s to come this year, so the time is now to brush up on some winter weather terminologies and start […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday shared the following news from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health and Human Services (HHS), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and Dover International  Speedway (DIS) have partnered to open a […]

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police (DSP), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after coordinating with stakeholders, advocacy groups and the public recently unveiled the Delaware 2021-2025 Strategic […]

DELAWARE OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY LAUNCHES “BE ALERT AND ARRIVE ALIVE” CAMPAIGN DURING NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH Integrated campaign strategy leverages the reach and influence of Delaware businesses, community partners, and law enforcement to maximize distracted driving awareness  DOVER, Del. (April 8, 2021) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is leveraging the […]

Delaware- In 2014 the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiated the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign to reduce deaths on U.S. highways. The campaign targeted distracted and impaired driving, speeding, the use of seatbelts and the unsafe driving behaviors of operators of large trucks and buses. A combination of education and awareness, partnering with […]

[DOVER, DE] May 19, 2021 — During this year’s national Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, which will take place May 24 through June 6, 2021, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (DOHS) will be teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) kickoff event taking place on Monday, May […]

The OHS SoberLift program, presented in partnership with Lyft®, will be activated in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean View nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. beginning Thursday, July 1 and continuing through Monday, July 5, ending at 2:00 a.m.

Media Contact: Veronica Marshall Traffic Safety Outreach Coordinator Veronica.Marshall@Delaware.Gov Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children – let’s change that OHS Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week September 19 – 25, 2021 [DOVER, Del.] September 15, 2021 — Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, according to the latest National […]

Smyrna, DE – On September 17, 2021, Governor John Carney requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Delaware in response to the severe flooding that occurred as the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the region on September 1 to September 7, 2021.  The request included FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation […]

  DOVER, DE — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) “Walk Smart, Arrive Alive” campaign runs from January 16-30, 2022 statewide — expanding its reach and impact on some of the most at-risk pedestrian populations in the state. This communications campaign aims to discourage risky pedestrian activities and encourage the adoption of safer walking […]

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all of Delaware and a Gale Warning is in effect for coastal areas and the Delaware Bay.  Plan ahead now and be prepared.

SMYRNA, DE: February 28th to March 4th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware.  Severe Weather Week Proclamation 2022.  From significant flooding to tornadoes and snowstorms, the past several years have seen active weather events across Delaware and throughout the region.  Knowing about the weather hazards and how to prepare can make a life-saving difference.   […]

From left to right: Jana Tidwell from AAA Mid-Atlantic, Delaware State Police Sergeant Heather Pepper, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Daria Benson and family (DelDOT), Tom Neubauer (Kiewit), Jason Sacco (DelDOT), Sarah Powell and family (DelDOT), Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski at NWZAW event in Wilmington The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) encourages everyone to take […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in support of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) Motorcycle Safety campaign, urges both motorists and motorcyclists to create a safer ride through education and awareness. Motorcyclists of all skill levels, both novice and advanced can […]

SMYRNA, DE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) encourages nonprofit agencies to begin preparing for the upcoming Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application period. NSGP is a competitive grant program that provides federal funding for physical security enhancements to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The annual grant guidance is expected to be released in May 2022 […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss.

An estimated 43,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year, the highest number in 16 years according to data released this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 10.5% jump over 2020 numbers was the largest percentage increase since NHTSA began its fatality accounting in 1975. The 139 fatalities on Delaware […]

Division of Forensic Science Annual Report Finds Fentanyl Still Involved in More Than 80% of Deaths; Cocaine Link on the Rise NEW CASTLE (May 24, 2022) – In what health officials fear is another consequence of the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware’s overdose deaths increased more than 15% in 2021 to a record […]

"Get Prepared, Delaware!" That's the key message from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) as it offers tips and resources to help residents and visitors to get ready in case a hurricane or tropical storm impacts the First State.

The 16th annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day returns on Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, DE 19934. The rain date is Sunday, September 18. September is “National Preparedness Month,” and attendees can get a wealth of resources and information to enhance their emergency preparedness – all in a fun, family environment. The event is co-sponsored by the Delaware Citizen Corps, Kent County Parks and Recreation, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Preparedness.

DOVER, DE — In June 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Large-Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act of 2022 making the possession of high-capacity magazines illegal in the State. In addition, the law authorizes the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to conduct a limited buyback program during which Delaware residents are eligible to […]

Governor Carney has declared September as Preparedness Month and urges everyone to “make a plan, build a kit, stay informed” to be prepared for emergencies. More than 35 organizations will be at “Family Emergency Preparedness Day” in Camden’s Brecknock Park on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event highlights public safety and readiness planning in a fun, family environment with activities, food, games, and demonstrations. Also this month, the PrepareDE.org website has relaunched with a new, mobile-friendly design featuring bright colors, easy-to-navigate sections, and a wealth of resources and fact sheets to help families get ready for almost any emergency.

Talk to Teens About the Importance of Driving Safety During National Teen Driver Safety Week   DOVER, Del. (Oct 14, 2022)— National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 16-22, 2022 — the perfect opportunity to talk with teens about safe driving habits. The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is teaming up with its traffic […]

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and its Comprehensive School Safety Program will invest almost $1 million to enhance school security statewide by providing accurate and uniform maps for all of Delaware’s 19 public school districts and charter schools to enable law enforcement and first responders to react swiftly during emergencies in unfamiliar environments.

In June 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Large Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act of 2022 making the possession of high capacity magazines illegal in the State. In addition, the law authorizes the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to conduct a limited buyback program. Delaware residents are eligible to receive fair market […]

Use extra caution on the roads during the deer mating season is the warning to Delaware drivers from DNREC, OHS, and DSP.

The annual Safe Family Holiday campaign seeks to prevent the holidays from “getting ugly” by helping Delawareans avoid dangerous driver, passenger, and pedestrian behaviors. DOVER, Del. (Nov. 17, 2022) — Starting on Nov. 18, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) will begin its annual holiday safety campaign, designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths […]

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Delaware now has 139 traffic fatalities, reaching last year’s total of 139, the highest number since 2006. “Thousands of Delawareans will take to the roads in the coming days and weeks to visit friends and family near and far and no matter your destination, we remind drivers to put their […]

Winter storms can occur anytime and anywhere, sometimes with fatal consequences. Heavy snow, high winds, freezing rain, and extreme cold can knock out heat and power to homes and offices and cause hazardous driving conditions. Preparing now can help to greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe weather. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging everyone to take action: make a plan, build and stock home and car emergency kits with winter weather items, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Be sure to visit PrepareDE.org for additional resources.

NEWARK (Jan. 18, 2023) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, along with top leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), led a community response briefing to provide the latest information about suspected drug overdose deaths in the state, current and emerging dangers […]

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging eligible tax-exempt nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, to prepare now for an upcoming Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) opportunity anticipated to be available for applications in early March 2023. NSGP provides funding for projects that enhance physical security and cybersecurity to nonprofits at high risk of a terrorist attack. Two requirements for NSGP applications are a Vulnerability Assessment and Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number. DEMA advises interested applicants to begin the process now because completing these prerequisites is often time-consuming.

The Delaware Judiciary welcomed its first “facility” or comfort dog to the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in partnership with the Delaware Capitol Police.

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reactivating its SoberLift program and bringing awareness to the negative consequences of driving under the influence. In addition, OHS is continuing to partner with State and local law enforcement to conduct DUI patrols through March 19th.  If your plans for the holiday include alcohol, make sure you plan for a sober driver.

March 20 to March 24 is "Severe Weather Awareness Week." In recent years, Delaware has experienced flooding, tornadoes, and winter storms that put lives and property at risk while adversely impacting the health, safety, and economic well-being of families, businesses, and schools. Learning about the different types of hazards will increase preparedness and help reduce the amount of devastation caused by severe weather.

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is partnering with local and state law enforcement agencies across Delaware from April 1st – 30th  to conduct high visibility enforcement and support several mobilization initiatives during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month such as the Delaware State Police “Drive to Save Lives” initiative that took place Saturday, April 1st through Monday, April 3rd, 2023. This mobilization brought together multiple law enforcement agencies from Florida to Maine to focus patrols up and down the I-95 corridor, which aimed at keeping motorists safe and reducing fatalities on our roadways.

DOVER, Del. (April 26, 2023) The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is teaming up with NASCAR Drivers Ross Chastain and Chad Chastain to encourage Delawareans to “Use Your Melon” and Drive Sober. On Friday, April 28th, OHS and Ross will be at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Dover 680 S Bay Rd, Dover, DE 19901 […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) encourages motorcyclists to ride smart and ride safely through education and awareness. Every year from April through November, DMV offers six motorcycle safety courses for various skill levels, […]

In conjunction with DNREC and DEMA within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 15 to 19 as Delaware Flood Awareness Week.

The joint initiative with the National Child Identification Program will provide Delaware families and law enforcement with new tools to locate missing children NEW CASTLE, DE– Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined NFL Hall of Famer Randy White, former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter and state education and law enforcement leaders at the Garfield Park […]

Governor John C. Carney, Jr. and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency are observing “Hurricane Awareness Week” from May 29 to June 2 by encouraging residents and visitors to “know your zone” and “get prepared” for the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

Delaware’s Comprehensive School Safety Program (CSSP) is marking completion of several significant safety initiatives, including: 1) new high-resolution maps for every public and charter school, 2) implementation of standard response and reunification training in all districts, and 3) the release of a new comprehensive school safety plan to all 231 public and charter schools in mid-July. The new school safety plan is the first major update since the creation of CSSP in 2012 and will provide schools with the most current guidance to keep students and staff prepared for a wide range of emergencies.

Governor Carney is proclaiming September as Preparedness Month in Delaware to highlight the many ways families and businesses can “make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed” to be better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. September coincides with the peak months for Atlantic hurricane season, which underscores the need for readiness. The 2023 theme is “Preparing Older Adults,” highlighting key challenges Delaware seniors can face when it comes to preparedness.

Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, announced Major Elmer C. Harris as the Chief of the Delaware Capitol Police. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and the Delaware Capitol Police (DCP) held a ceremony to mark the start of Chief Elmer C. Harris’s role as Chief of […]

The 17th annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day is on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, DE 19934. The event is rain or shine. September is “National Preparedness Month,” and attendees can get a wealth of resources and information to enhance their emergency preparedness – all in a fun, family environment. Exhibitors will offer interactive activities, games, promo items, and safety-themed giveaways. Event highlights include appearances by Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, and a vehicle extrication demo by the Camden -Wyoming Fire Company. The first 500 people who complete an activity challenge will get a free water ice from Kona Ice! For more information, contact DEMAPIO@delaware.gov

The Family Emergency Preparedness Day event scheduled for Saturday, September 23 at Brecknock County Park in Camden, Delaware has been canceled due to expected inclement weather from a pending coastal storm. Out of an abundance of caution, officials from participating agencies determined that the threat of high winds and precipitation would make the event unsafe to both participants and attendees.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is currently coordinating with officials from FEMA Region 3, state, county, and local agencies to respond to the potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ophelia throughout the state.

As white-tailed deer mating season nears, Delaware drivers are advised to be alert around dusk and dawn when deer are typically most active.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, and county emergency agencies are teaming up to share important information to help residents and visitors to prepare and stay safe in the coming months.

Today the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) announced Sean E. Moriarty, Ed. D. as Executive Director of the new Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST). POST, now a new division within DSHS, was created through House Bill 206 and signed into law in August to replace the Delaware Council on Police […]