Law enforcement representatives from the Northeast gathered outside Wilmington’s Frawley Stadium this week to announce stepped-up enforcement of speeding offenses.
NHTSA and its partners across the country have launched the “Speeding Wrecks Lives” speeding prevention campaign.
“Safety is the most important responsibility anyone has when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Delaware Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Too many lives are being lost and altered by the excessive speeds we are seeing on our highways.”
NHTSA’s Region 3 Administrator Stephanie Hancock added, “Speeding affects everyone. Speeding is everyone’s problem, and it will take everyone working together to solve it and ultimately save lives.”
“Speed-related crashes claim countless lives each year, causing immense grief to families across the country,” said Colonel Melissa A. Zebley, superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “Complying with speed limits and enhancing driver vigilance will create safer roads, safer drivers and will save lives. Our vigilant troopers will be encouraging safe driving practices, not only during this traffic campaign but also on a daily basis. At the end of each day, we all want to return home to our families safely, so join us in this mission by making a conscious effort to slow down.”
In 2021, speeding killed 12,330 people on roads across the country. Delaware reported higher traffic deaths in 2022.
Despite improved car safety systems, the upward trend in deaths has continued into 2023, with speed often a contributing factor. Drivers continue to report high-risk behavior among drivers who rapidly weave in and out of traffic at high speeds, rapidly accelerate when short stretches of highway are clear, or even race one another.
Delaware this year stopped short of using speed cameras along major highways, with construction being an exception. Some criticize the cameras because the system issues fines without identifying drivers.
The General Assembly did broaden the definition of reckless driving to include speeds over 90 miles an hour that are often seen on interstates and even Route 1.
