HAIL A CAB/SEDAN TIPS

Tipping: Cabbies & Sedan Services are in the service industry –  and drivers, like most service workers — depend largely on gratuities for income. Think as you would a waiter in a restaurant: 15% for expected service, 20% for a great experience and down to 10% for something… well less than wonderful. Add $1 per bag that the driver helps you with and $2 per bag for any that are very heavy.

Have your directions ready: You’ve hired a taxi/sedan service, not a field guide. Although many drivers will be familiar with all parts of the area they serve, inevitably there will be gaps in a cabbie’s knowledge. Try to know the major streets of your route or at least a major landmark that the driver will know near your ultimate destination.

DUI CHECKPOINTS THIS WEEK

There are two checkpoints scheduled to occur this weekend as follows according to the  News.Delaware.Gov website:

Friday, Dec 27th      Newark (DSP & New Castle County DUI Task Force)
Tuesday, Dec 31st    Newark (New Castle County DUI Task Force)

The Safe Family Holiday DUI Victim tree received 1 more red bulb this week. There is now a total of 9 green bulbs and 2 red bulb on each DUI Victim tree.  Each green bulb represents an alcohol related injury and a red bulb represents an alcohol related fatality on Delaware roadways between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  Last year, 3 people were killed and 54 were injured in alcohol-related crashes in Delaware during the holiday season. Since January 1st of this year, 96 people have lost their lives on Delaware roadways in 92 fatal traffic crashes, compared to 106 people killed in 101 fatal traffic crashes this time last year.  Aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding, running stop signs, and not granting right of way, have contributed to 34% of the fatal traffic crashes so far this year. To date alcohol consumption has been involved in 35% of the traffic deaths, and 47% of vehicle occupant fatalities were individuals not wearing their seat belts.

For more information on these or any of our other Safe Family Holiday campaign efforts follow OHS on Twitter @DEHighwaySafe, visit our website for updates at www.ohs.delaware.gov,www.DUIRealTime.com/Safe-Holidays or Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

Preventing impaired driving crashes is a shared responsibility; everyone can do their part to save a life:

• Always plan ahead to designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
• Never get behind the wheel of a car when you’ve been drinking alcohol and never ride with someone who has been drinking – even after just one drink.
• Do not hesitate to take the keys from friends or family members who may be impaired or call a taxi for a friend in need.
• Be a responsible host by always offering alcohol-free beverages and protein rich snacks.
• If you encounter an impaired driver on the road, keep a safe distance and ask a passenger to call 911 (or pull over to a safe location to make the call yourself).
• Remember: prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and  illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.
• Always buckle up, avoid distractions, and practice patience behind the wheel this holiday season.
• Please designate a sober driver this Christmas week. If you happen to forget, at least call a sober person to pick you up from the police station or if you get the call make sure you haven’t been drinking to pick up your friend(s).

Source: News.Delaware.Gov website Check out the Consequences for DUI in Delaware