With vulnerable road users – pedestrians and cyclists – a growing concern in the territory, the V.I. Police Department and Office of Highway Safety will partner with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a Walking Safety Assessment of Veterans Drive, a high-traffic corridor with high crash risks.
The collaborative initiative will involve community stakeholders across the territory who will
combine expertise and perspectives to assess potential roadway hazards in need of
remediation. Participants will evaluate the adequacy and appropriateness of sidewalks,
crosswalks, road signage, traffic lights and other potential roadway issues to reduce
pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions, according to the press release.
“October, nationally observed as Pedestrian Safety Month, is the ideal time to conduct this important safety initiative.,” offered VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. “The goal is to create an effective model that can be replicated across the territory. This proactive approach saves lives.”
Two safety walks will be conducted to analyze traffic at varied times of day. The first walk on Oct. 29 will observe afternoon traffic, and the second walk on Oct. 30 will examine morning activities, the press release stated.
In fiscal year 2023, the St. Thomas-St. John district recorded 48 pedestrian-vehicle crashes. Of these, seven occurred on Veteran’s Drive, the release stated.
For more information about the planned walking safety assessment or to register to participate, contact the VI 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. You may also contact the office via telephone at 340-473-7383.
