Delaware Celebrates Sober Rides Success as DUI Crackdown Begins for Labor Day

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is celebrating the success of its 2024–2025 Sober Rides program while preparing to launch the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, running now through September 5, 2025.

This annual initiative is one of Delaware’s strongest tools in the fight against impaired driving, pairing high-visibility DUI patrols with public education to prevent tragedy on our roads during one of the deadliest weekends of the year—Labor Day.

The Success of Sober Rides

Over the past year, the Sober Rides program provided more than 700 Delawareans safe rides home during high-risk holidays like Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, and July Fourth. Participants received $20 ride-share vouchers for Lyft and Uber, fully funded by generous local sponsors including Breakthru Beverage Delaware, Blue Hen Insurance, Preston Automotive Group, The Starboard, Big Fish Restaurant Group, Grotto Pizza, and many others.

“Programs like Sober Rides save lives,” said Sharon Bryson, Director of OHS. “We’re thankful to everyone who made the choice to plan ahead and get home safely instead of driving impaired.”

The Ongoing Danger of Impaired Driving

Impaired driving remains a serious concern in Delaware. Between 2020 and 2024, the state saw 641 fatal crashes, with 39% involving alcohol or drugs.

In 2024 alone:

• 1,033 crashes involved impaired drivers

• 85 people suffered serious injuries

• 4,093 DUI arrests were made

• 71% of impaired driving fatalities were male

These sobering statistics highlight why OHS is urging drivers to make smart decisions this Labor Day weekend.

Plan Ahead – Don’t Drink and Drive

OHS reminds drivers to:

• Plan a safe ride before drinking

• Use a designated driver, Lyft, or Uber

• Take the keys from anyone planning to drive impaired

• Report suspected drunk drivers to law enforcement

The High Cost of a DUI in Delaware

A DUI can mean:

• Loss of your license

• An average of $6,300 in fines, court costs, and attorney fees

• Possible jail time

• Mandatory alcohol and drug counseling ($400–$900)

• Ignition Interlock installation ($480)

• Increased auto insurance premiums

A 39th Reminder – Celebrate Responsibly

The 39th District is proud to promote safe and responsible celebrations in our community. As you make plans for the upcoming Sip, Shop & Social on Friday, August 29th at Sussex GOP HQ, remember to enjoy yourself responsibly. If you plan to drink, please make sure you have a designated driver or arrange for a rideshare to get home safely.

About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to making roads safer by focusing on issues such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driver education. Learn more at ArriveAliveDE.com