Summer is almost here at the Delaware beaches, which means it's nearly time for Funland rides, boardwalk ice cream, seagulls swooping in on your Thrasher's fries and, of course, the one thing no one looks forward to: beach traffic.

Over the past few years, we've seen a big increase in visitors and it's no surprise why. Our beaches are some of the best on the East Coast. But with more people comes more congestion, and traffic has only gotten worse each season.

To help you cut down on stress, save time, and stay safe on the road, we're sharing our top tips for navigating beach traffic during the busy months ahead.

1. Stay off your phone

While this isn't necessarily a beach-specific tip, its still an important one. We've seen too many drivers texting behind the wheel, especially in slow-moving beach traffic. It might not feel as risky as doing it on the highway, but it's still dangerous.

Traffic near the beach is unpredictable. Cars stop suddenly, people cut in, and pedestrians can step out without warning which takes constant focus. If your eyes are on your phone instead of the road, you're far more likely to cause an accident.

Even sitting at a green light while texting your friends about beach plans causes problems. It holds up traffic and throws off the timing for everyone.

So do yourself (and others) a favor and wait until you're parked to text, or use hands-free calling if you really need to check in.

2. The Right Lane is for Buses, Bikes, and Turning

Why You Shouldn't Drive in the Bus Lane

That wide, empty bus lane might look tempting when traffic is crawling, but using

it to get ahead is not only illegal, it's dangerous. There have been multiple cases of collisions between cars and buses in these lanes, and in many of them, the bus driver wasn't the one at fault.

When Can You Use the Bus Lane?

Passenger vehicles are only allowed in the bus lane when making a right turn. While Delaware law doesn't give an exact distance, a good rule of thumb is to enter the bus lane only if your turn is within about half a block. Anything more than that, and you're likely breaking the law.

Don't Use it to Merge

It's also illegal to use the bus lane as a merge lane unless specific signage says otherwise. Most beach-area bus lanes are reserved strictly for buses, bikes and vehicles turning right—no merging allowed. Cutting in not only causes confusion, it increases the risk of accidents.

Try the Park ‘N' Ride Instead!

If you're looking to save time and avoid the hassle of traffic, take advantage of the Lewes Park ‘N' Ride Transit Station. The 201 bus runs straight to downtown Rehoboth and Dewey Beach, and often gets you there faster than driving. Parking is free, and a round-trip bus ticket usually costs around $4. Since the station is located just past 5 Points, you skip some of the worst traffic getting into town.

3. Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks

Once you make it down to the beach area, you'll probably notice lots of people walking around grabbing ice cream, soaking up the sun, and doing a little shopping. One thing that stands out about our beaches is the crosswalk system and the pedestrian right-of-way.

It can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention, but most crosswalks have a sign with flashing lights that activate when someone presses the button to cross. These signs are mounted on the side of the road, not overhead like typical traffic lights.

While the system is designed to protect pedestrians, it can still be risky. Drivers might not notice the flashing lights, may not see people crossing behind stopped cars, and pedestrians often assume vehicles will yield.

To keep everyone safe, stick to the speed limit and watch for flashing crosswalk signs. If you see one flashing, stop completely and check for anyone waiting to cross before moving forward.

4. Watch for bikers and hikers along the Lewes-Georgetown Trail

Like our last tip, this one focuses on staying alert to some of the unique driving conditions around the Delaware beaches.

The Lewes-Georgetown Trail is a 17-mile paved path that follows the old Delaware Coast Line Railroad, stretching from Gills Neck Road in Lewes to Fisher Road in Harbeson. It connects with the Junction and Breakwater Trail, linking Lewes to Rehoboth Beach and Cape Henlopen State Park. It's a popular route for cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, and families looking to enjoy the outdoors.

But with more use comes more responsibility, especially for drivers. According to a 2022 trail user survey, 18% of respondents cited safety concerns, particularly at crosswalks and intersections where the trail crosses vehicle traffic.

If you're driving in the area, stay alert. Trail users may be crossing at multiple points, and not all crossings are clearly marked or easy to spot at a glance. Slow down near trail intersections and check carefully in both directions for pedestrians and cyclists before proceeding.

5. Drive Like a Local: Know Which Lanes End

If it's your first time heading to the Delaware beaches, you might be caught off guard by how quickly some lanes end, often with little warning. Many of these lane drops happen right after turns, making it hard to merge and often leading to unnecessary backups or near-misses.

Locals know the tricks, and now you can too. Here are four spots where picking the right lane makes all the difference:

• Turning left off Route 1 onto Rehoboth Avenue Extension: Stick to the right lane. The left lane becomes a left-turn-only lane almost immediately.

• Heading toward Route 1 on Rehoboth Avenue after the traffic circle: Stay in the right lane. The left lane quickly turns into another left-turn-only lane.

• Going east on Savannah Road just past Five Points (either turning left from Route 1 or going straight from Route 9): Use the left lane. The right lane leads into a gas station entrance or merges onto northbound Route 1.

• Heading west on Route 9 after Five Points: Choose the right lane. The left lane merges into the right shortly after.

These are just a few examples—there are plenty of quick-ending lanes throughout the area. If you find yourself in the wrong one, it's always safer to take the next available road and reroute rather than try to force a last-minute merge.

Stay Safe, Stay Smart, and Enjoy the Beach

Navigating beach traffic doesn't have to be stressful. A little local knowledge goes a long way toward making your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether it's watching for crosswalk signs, avoiding the bus lane, or knowing which lane to be in, these small habits can make a big difference for you and everyone else on the road.

So before you head out, take a few minutes to review these tips, share them with your travel crew, and drive like a local. The beach will still be there when you arrive and getting there safely is what matters most.

If you do find yourself involved in a traffic-related incident, the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl is here to help. With deep roots in the community and experience handling local traffic and personal injury matters, we're committed to protecting your rights and guiding you through the legal process.

Have a great summer, and we'll see you out there!