Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., the V.I. Police Department and the V.I. Office of Highway Safety joined forces in supporting safe driving by proclaiming Oct. 27 Buckle Up, Phone Down Day in the territory, they announced Wednesday. Districts throughout the nation also recognized BUPD Day during the week.
In the territory, approximately 1,750 crashes in 2022 were attributed to distracted driving, resulting in two deaths and 124 injuries, the press release stated.
Correctly and consistently wearing a seat belt is proven to be the best defense for crash victims, it said. However, in 2022, in the territory, drivers and their front-seat passengers were observed wearing seat belts just 67 percent of the time, which is drastically lower than the nation’s compliance rate of 91.6 percent, the release stated. In 2022, unrestrained occupants comprised half of the crash fatalities recorded, it noted.
“Traffic safety is a choice,” said VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal. “Making a conscious and consistent choice to buckle up and to drive without distractions drastically reduces risks for crash-related injuries and fatalities for yourself, your passengers, and for all who share our roads,” she said.
For more safe driving practices and information regarding Buckle Up, Phone Down Day, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or Occupant Protection Planner/Coordinator Denise Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov. You may also contact the office at 340-772-3025 or 340-473-7383.
