OHS Urges Riders and Drivers to Stay Alert Following Recent Motorcycle Crashes

DOVER, Del. (July 16, 2026) - The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is urging both motorcyclists and drivers to stay alert and share the road responsibly as motorcycle travel increases during the peak summer riding season. The reminder comes after one motorcyclist was tragically killed and two others were seriously injured in separate crashes across Delaware within a 24-hour period, underscoring the importance of vigilance from everyone on the road.

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles, making riders more vulnerable to serious injury in a crash. Whether you're behind the handlebars or behind the wheel, the choices you make on the road can help prevent a tragedy.

"Motorcyclists represent a small percentage of the vehicles on our roadways, yet motorcycle fatalities account for 15 percent of Delaware's traffic fatalities in 2026," said Jeffrey Horvath, deputy director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. "Those numbers remind us that motorcycle safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers need to look twice for motorcycles, and riders need to stay visible, ride defensively, and always follow the rules of the road. Looking out for one another can save lives."

To help reduce crashes and improve rider safety, OHS encourages motorcyclists to:

• Stay alert to changing road conditions and surrounding traffic.
• Wear proper protective gear, including a DOT-compliant helmet and appropriate riding apparel.
• Increase your visibility by using headlights, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and positioning yourself where drivers can see you.
• Obey posted speed limits and ride within your skill level.
• Watch for roadway hazards such as uneven pavement, gravel, debris, wet roads, and potholes.
• Ride defensively and be prepared for distracted or inattentive drivers.

Drivers play an equally important role in preventing motorcycle crashes. OHS encourages motorists to:

• Look twice for motorcycles before changing lanes, merging, or making turns.
• Check mirrors and blind spots carefully, as motorcycles can be harder to see than larger vehicles.
• Allow extra following distance to provide riders with adequate space to maneuver and stop safely.
• Give motorcycles the full width of a lane and avoid sharing a lane with a rider.
• Never drive while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or other drugs.
• Be patient and attentive. Because motorcycles are smaller and can be difficult to judge in terms of speed and distance, taking an extra moment to look carefully can save a life.

Whether traveling by motorcycle or passenger vehicle, everyone has a role in preventing crashes. OHS encourages all road users to slow down, eliminate distractions, never drive or ride impaired, and make safety their top priority every time they travel.

To learn more about motorcycle safety, visit ArriveAliveDE.com/respect-the-ride/ or NHTSA.gov/road-safety/motorcycles.

About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware's motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues, such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. FAQs can be found at ArriveAliveDE.com. Follow OHS on the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.

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Media Contact:

Delaware Office of Highway Safety

Caitlin Reed

[email protected]

302-744-2746