Delaware is ranked among the ten safest states for motorists in the United States. In 2021, Delaware was rated ninth on a list ordered by the least number of fatalities caused by car crashes. With the state’s extensive road infrastructure, 49 primary state routes, four suffixed routes, and about 5,386 miles of road), motorist safety is a growing concern.
In Delaware, driving under the influence was the leading cause of fatal crashes in 2022. Additionally, distracted driving was also among the top causes of crashes in the state. Most of Delaware’s roads are also in poor condition, especially along curves and in rural areas, contributing to higher car accidents.
Though most roads have their share of crashes, other Roads in Delaware are notorious for their high traffic fatalities. These are some of the most dangerous roads in the state:
Delaware has proper procedures to protect lives and legal rights if drivers are involved in a car collision. These are some of the steps to follow after an accident:
Drivers should find a safe way to move their vehicle away from traffic and into a safe location. Moving the car minimizes traffic disruption and other potential accidents.
According to Delaware law, the driver of a motor vehicle must remain at the scene following an accident or face prosecution.
Drivers should engage their hazard lights and place safety cones at a safe distance from the car to warn other drivers of the hazard.
Drivers should ensure that everyone is in good condition. If someone is severely injured, they should not be moved. Instead, individuals should contact a medical emergency team right away.
In the event of an injury, individuals should immediately call 911 and request medical assistance. In Delaware, drivers are required to immediately report accidents to police if they result in bodily injury, death, or property damage to the extent of $2,000 or greater.
The state requires all drivers to provide their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance information. Furthermore, if the driver does not own the vehicle, they must give the name and address of the owner. Individuals should always provide their information no matter how minor an accident is.
Drivers should take photos of the accident as evidence to establish the cause for legal and insurance purposes. The photos can also show any pre-existing damage before the accident.
Drivers should call an attorney to help protect their rights and navigate the legal process. Additionally, attorneys can help handle negotiations between insurance companies when filing a claim.
Drivers should immediately notify their insurance company and file a claim. When filing the claim, drivers should have all the documentation and photos of the crash.
Drivers should always keep documentation of the crashes. The records provide crucial information that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. Some documents are police reports, insurance claims, medical reports, and crash reports.
Delaware has strict and comprehensive regulations governing motor vehicle driving and operations. These regulations are essential in protecting the safety and well-being of road users. These laws and facts include:
Car InsuranceAll vehicles in the state must have minimum liability insurance coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Proof of insurance must be readily available and presented upon request from law enforcement during traffic stops, vehicle inspections, accident investigations, or court appearances.
Seat Belt LawsEveryone, including passengers in the backseat, must always wear a seat belt while the vehicle operates.
Children under two and 30 pounds must ride with their safety seat facing the car’s rear.
Children under four and 40 pounds must be properly restrained in an age-appropriate child safety or booster seat.
Children should remain using booster seats until they reach the maximum height recommended by the manufacturer.
Novice and Teen Driving
LawsIndividuals may apply for a learner's permit at the age of 16 years.
For the first six months, minor drivers must be accompanied by a supervisor who is at least 25 years old and has had a valid driving license for five years.
To obtain a regular driver's license, teenagers must complete at least 50 hours of driving for the first six months, including 10 hours at night.
Minor drivers are prohibited from driving without supervision from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless they have religious, school, or work-related activities to attend.
Minor drivers are prohibited from using electronic devices, including phones unless calling 911 to report an emergency.
Driving Under Influence
In the state, driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding .08% is illegal and sufficient for a DUI charge and conviction.
In Delaware, driving under the influence of any controlled or illicit substance is also sufficient for a DUI conviction.
Riding in a House
TrailerThe State of Delaware prohibits passengers from riding inside a house trailer as it is towed by another vehicle.
Move Over LawsWhen approaching an authorized vehicle displaying activated warning lights, such as those used by emergency responders and police vehicles, drivers must safely reduce their speed and move to an adjacent lane.
If moving over lanes is impossible, drivers should slow down to a reasonable speed while passing the emergency vehicle.
Riding Outside the
VehicleDelaware law prohibits passengers from riding in a car with any of their body parts outside the vehicle's limits.
Hand Off LawUtilizing or holding a mobile phone or other electronic device while operating a moving vehicle is prohibited.
However, drivers may use hands-free devices such as wireless headsets, speakerphones, smartwatches, or vehicle-integrated systems for calls.
The only exception to the law is that drivers are allowed to use their phones in case of an emergency to call 911.
Using Headlights
Headlights should be illuminated from sunset to sunrise during periods of limited visibility, including snow, fog, rain, or other adverse weather conditions impairing the driver’s vision.
Traffic laws are relatively standard in most states. However, Delaware has some peculiar laws that are unique to the state. These weird traffic laws include:
Using muffler cutouts
Drivers are prohibited from operating vehicles with muffler
cutouts on any street highway.
The state also prohibits the sale
of any muffler without interior baffle plates or other muffling devices.
Car picnic in Fenwick
It is illegal for people to use their car as a picnic facility on
any highway or street in Fenwick between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Living inside a car
Fenwick
has also prohibited individuals from living, cooking, changing
clothes, sleeping, dwelling, or using toilet facilities inside the car within the
town’s corporate limits.
Reflectors on motorcycles
All vehicles, including motorcycles,
must have a red reflector at the
back to ensure the car is visible at night.
No Spikes on tires
Delaware prohibits drivers from using tires
with spikes, studs, or cleats on
the road.