NASCAR Driver Ross Chastain Partners with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety for 2024 Events

DOVER, Del. (April 18  2024) — NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) continue their years of partnership to educate Delawareans on the dangers of driving under the influence and to raise awareness for the devastating outcomes that accompany DUI crashes. From April 25 through 27, OHS and Ross will host three community engagement events throughout Kent and Sussex counties, with the hopes that Delawareans join them for autographs, DUI trivia, and other safety activities and discussions. The now-annual partnership highlights Ross’ dedication to ensuring he’s reaching fans and fellow Delawareans, encouraging them to “Use Your Melon” and plan for a sober ride home after drinking.

The “Use Your Melon” campaign aligns with the OHS “Drive Sober, Arrive Alive” messaging, as both raise awareness for the impacts that driving under the influence have on the driver, passengers, loved ones, and Delaware community. By using your melon and considering the repercussions of your actions—in this instance, driving under the influence—you have the power to save a life and ensure that everyone on the road arrives alive.

As an eighth-generation watermelon farmer, Ross’ partnership with OHS is natural, creatively aligning OHS’ important safety messaging with his family history and passion for agriculture. OHS and Ross decided to host the first community engagement event at the Delaware Agricultural Museum, inviting Delawareans to discuss driving responsibly while also raising awareness for Delaware’s agricultural history. During the 2024 partnership, Ross and OHS will reach tens of thousands of Delawareans with DUI messaging, encouraging them to make smarter choices on Delaware roadways.

“A single individual’s decision to drive under the influence of alcohol can have a profound impact on multiple lives,” said Sharon Bryson, Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Therefore, we are committed to spreading awareness about road safety and preventing DUI crashes. We are pleased to collaborate with Ross Chastain once again and appreciate his support in making Delaware roads safer for everyone.”

Ross will join OHS for the three community events, where he’ll sign autographs. OHS will have a DUI trivia wheel available at each location, testing people’s knowledge on driving under the influence and providing statistics to help them grasp the impact that DUIs have on Delawareans. Additionally, the Delaware Department of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement’s driving simulator will join some events, showing people what it’s like to drive after having a few drinks. Chastain’s No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will also be present at certain events, joining the OHS crashed car which is used to show Delawareans the results of driving under the influence.

Statistics

Throughout the year, OHS implements the “Drive Sober, Arrive Alive” campaign to educate Delawareans on the dangers and devastating outcomes that accompany driving under the influence. In Delaware, from 2019 to 2023:

• There were 5,504 impaired-driving crashes, involving 246 fatalities and 442 serious injuries.
• 41% of traffic fatalities were related to impaired driving.
• Males ages 35 to 44 were involved in the most DUI crashes.
• 41% of impaired driving crashes occurred on Saturdays and Sundays.
• 47% of impaired driving crashes occurred between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Impaired drivers put everyone at risk. Impairment starts before 0.08 BAC, but you should never get behind the wheel if you’ve had a drink. If you plan to drink, make sure you have a safe way home.

Community Engagements

Beginning on April 25, Ross Chastain and OHS will appear at three Delaware locations. Delawareans will have the opportunity to meet the NASCAR driver and speak with OHS about the dangers of driving under the influence.

• Delaware Agricultural Museum, Dover. April 25, from 3 to 5 p.m.
• Georgetown Speedway, Georgetown. April 26, beginning at 6 p.m.
• Grotto Pizza, Dover. April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m.

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.