DelDOT has informed Rep. Gray's office that last week was one of the deadliest weeks the department had on our roadways in recent memory. Nine people lost their lives over those seven days.
These fatalities included two pedestrians, five motorcyclists, and two motorists. According to DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeski, "While the causes for these crashes are still under investigation, we do know that they occurred under different conditions, roadway types and times of day."
Secretary Majeski further stated, "I want to reiterate the department’s commitment to safety. We are actively working with our partners in law enforcement, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and the Office of Highway Safety to implement our Strategic Highway Safety Plan that is focused on our eight data-driven emphasis areas and includes a series of engineering, enforcement, and education initiatives that focus on improving the safety of all modes of transportation."
She also said, "We need everyone to do their part to keep our roadways safe. Slow down, don’t drive aggressively or distracted and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists."
Last year 117 people lost their lives in crashes on Delaware roadways. To date this year, there have been 105 fatalities, which is eight more than this same time last year.
October is also Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month. As a reminder to both motorists and pedestrians, please be reminded of the importance of driving attentively and being aware when crossing roads at crosswalks.
Secretary Majeski also stated that over the next six years, DelDOT’s capital improvement program will invest hundreds of millions of dollars in safety projects across the state, which includes intersection improvements, median barrier installation, horizontal curve safety, lighting, mumble strips, installation of high friction surface treatment, separate bike and pedestrian facilities, safe walking and biking routes to schools and safe transit access.
