July 4 DUI checkpoints and SoberLift program announced
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is once again implementing a multi-tiered strategy to encourage responsible driving behaviors and create safer roadways in Delaware during the Fourth of July holiday.
The OHS SoberLift program, presented in partnership with Lyft, will be activated in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island and Ocean View nightly from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. beginning Thursday, July 1 and running through Monday, July 5, ending at 2 a.m.
A key component of the campaign is the opportunity for individuals to receive free Lyft vouchers enabling them to ride sober. A discount code for a maximum $15 Lyft value can be redeemed by texting “SOBERLIFT” to 99000. The number of daily SoberLift codes available will be limited.
“The Fourth of July is about coming together and celebrating what unites us. Sadly, it is also an all-too-often deadly time on Delaware roads. Before you head out for your celebrations, remember to plan ahead and arrange for a sober ride home,” said Kimberly Chesser, Delaware Office of Highway Safety director. “Deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired driving are preventable, and too many lives are tragically cut short in traffic crashes involving alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.”
Sponsors of this SoberLift program include Breakthru Beverage DE, Captain Morgan, Two Stones, Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen, First State Brew Tours, Washington Street Ale House/Oyster House, Dewey Business Partnership, Bluecoast Seafood and Grill Rehoboth, The Starboard, Liquid Alchemy Brewing, and Aloysius Butler & Clark.
Three sobriety checkpoints are scheduled for the upcoming holiday weekend from 10 p.m., Friday, July 2 through 2 a.m., Saturday, July 3, in targeted areas known to have a high number of DUI arrests and crashes including both injuries and fatalities.
Checkpoints are scheduled on Route 24 near Millsboro in Sussex County, on Route 13 near Dover in Kent County and on Route 72 near Newark in New Castle County. Those participating include 66 law enforcement officers from 15 local, county and municipal police agencies in addition to Delaware State Police, and at least one drug recognition enforcement officer at each checkpoint.
OHS reminds drivers and passengers that in addition to alcohol and illegal drugs, prescribed medications and even some over-the-counter drugs can impair driving and may carry severe penalties.
From 2016-20, drivers age 35-44 have shown the highest numbers of DUI crashes, with drivers 20-29 just behind. Saturday typically has the highest number of DUI-related crashes, followed closely by Sunday for the five-year average.
Over the July Fourth holiday weekend in 2020, 52 DUI arrests were made, and 24 DUI-related crashes resulted in 13 injuries and four fatalities.
For more information, go to arrivealivede.com/drive-sober.
