Christmas Eve DUI checkpoint in Smyrna bears fruit, as do Thanksgiving and New Year’s vouchers

SMYRNA — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police (DSP), and local law enforcement conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the Smyrna area.

About 472 vehicles drove through the checkpoint, which resulted in five DUI arrests and the issuance of 32 other traffic tickets. In addition to getting impaired drivers off the road, these enforcement checks are an opportunity to positively inform and educate the public on safe driving habits.

“Checkpoint enforcement is not just about arrests or writing tickets. They are also an opportunity to inform and educate the community on safe and sober driving habits,” said OHS Director Sharon Bryson. “If you feel different, you drive differently. By making a plan and choosing to get a sober ride home, we can help save lives. We all have a shared responsibility to keep Delaware roadways safe.”

In addition, OHS provided vouchers of up to $20 from partners Lyft and Uber to Delaware drivers on Thanksgiving Eve and then New Year’s Eve. More than 100 drivers took advantage of the Thanksgiving offer, while more than 300 used them on New Year’s Eve, said OHS Community Relations Officer Meaghan Niddrie.

No New Year’s DUI checkpoints…but there’s a reason

Interestingly, OHS and its law enforcement partners did not conduct any checkpoints on New Year’s Eve, according to OHS.

“While New Year’s Eve is commonly associated with celebrations and potential impaired driving, our strategic approach to DUI checkpoints is data-driven, said Delaware State Police spokesperson Lieutenant India Sturgis. “Thanksgiving weekend consistently experiences increased traffic and impaired driving incidents, making it a critical time to ensure safety on the roads.

“New Year’s Eve often involves localized events and private gatherings, where our enforcement efforts are better supported by high-visibility patrols rather than stationary checkpoints. This enables us to cover a larger area and respond quickly to any incidents. Our year-round DUI enforcement efforts, including checkpoints and patrols, aim to comprehensively address impaired driving, not just on traditionally high-risk days. Our ultimate goal is to save lives and encourage safe driving every day of the year.

A DUI can have devastating consequences, with the worst outcomes being fatality and/or serious injuries. A DUI can cost an average of $10,000 in court costs, fines, attorney fees, car towing and repairs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more. It could also result in the loss of your license and possibly even your job.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, checkpoints are a five-star countermeasure proven to work.

“Deciding to get a safe and sober ride can help save lives,” Niddrie said. “We want to remind everyone to make a plan. Especially during the festive holiday season where alcohol is included in many celebrations. Use a rideshare service, designate a responsible driver, or even stay the night.”