The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) urges the motoring community to prioritize the safety of students in school zones and throughout the community.
Child pedestrians are typically inexperienced with navigating the roadways and can make sudden and unpredictable movements. Motorists are asked to yield to pedestrian traffic, allowing children to cross the road, even in the absence of crosswalks and pedestrian lights. Traffic should resume when the pedestrian arrives at the other side of the street, clearing the roadway, stated a news release.
Additionally, adhering to the directions of crossing guards ensures safe pedestrian crossing in school zones. Drivers must also adhere to posted speed limits, reducing speed even further in the presence of children. In the territory, the speed limit in school zones is 10 miles per hour when children are present, the release stated.
Other safety reminders include:
- Avoid driving through school zones, when possible, especially during drop off and
dismissal;
- Never pass a stopped school bus;
- Obey visual bus signals, such as the activated stop arm and flashing red or amber
lights;
- Remember that distracted driving is illegal and poses a serious safety risk; drive
focused;
- Encourage pedestrians to put away electronic devices and cell phones, and remove
earbuds, so they can easily hear and see approaching traffic.
According to the release, keeping young, vulnerable road users safe is a community responsibility. Caregivers are also asked to give their scholars safe strategies for crossing the road, walking on the roadways, and riding the bus.
For more information, resources, and strategies to improve traffic safety for vulnerable road users, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov, or Occupant Protection Planner/Coordinator Denise Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov. Individuals may also contact the office via telephone at (340) 473-7383.
