MADD Delaware and law enforcement agencies statewide are partnering for “Saturation Saturday” on Aug. 29 to promote impaired driving prevention ahead of Labor Day weekend. (Photo courtesy of MADD Delaware.)
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Delaware is partnering with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety and law enforcement agencies statewide for “Saturation Saturday” on Aug. 29, an initiative aimed at preventing impaired driving ahead of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The coordinated enforcement effort will include increased DUI patrols across Delaware as part of a national push to reduce impaired driving crashes during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. The initiative coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 451 people were killed nationwide in drunk driving crashes during the Labor Day holiday period in 2024. In Delaware, drunk driving fatalities have increased by 3.2% since 2019.
MADD Delaware will work with Delaware State Police in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, as well as the Wilmington Police Department, New Castle County Police Department, New Castle City Police Department, Camden Police Department and Dagsboro Police Department, to support Saturation Saturday events and increased impaired driving enforcement.
Law enforcement officers are often the first line of defense against impaired driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sobriety checkpoints can reduce drunk driving deaths by up to 20%.
“Impaired driving continues to be the leading cause of death on our roadways, stealing lives and leaving countless families to cope with unimaginable loss,” said Stacey D. Stewart, CEO of MADD. “MADD is proud to work alongside law enforcement to help prevent crashes, save lives, and remind drivers that impaired driving is never acceptable. Together, we can encourage responsible choices and make our roads safer for everyone.”
Saturation Saturday is part of ongoing efforts through NHTSA’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which raises awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and supports high-visibility enforcement efforts throughout August and September.
“Preventing impaired driving requires a shared commitment from all of us. Saturation Saturday brings together MADD, law enforcement, and highway safety partners to send a clear message: impaired driving is preventable, and every driver has a responsibility to make a safe choice. As Labor Day weekend approaches, we encourage Delawareans to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare or find another safe way home,” said Sharon Bryson, director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety.
“High-visibility traffic safety enforcement efforts serve as a deterrent to impaired driving crashes and prevent senseless deaths and injuries,” said Bryna Clark-Braverman, Regional Executive Director. “Together alongside law enforcement and NHTSA, MADD Delaware urges the public to have a plan for getting home safe – whether you’re driving, riding or hosting – as we approach Labor Day weekend.”
