As a new year begins and people celebrate the Crucian Festival, the Virgin Islands Police Department – Office of Highway Safety (VIPD–OHS) urges motorists to recommit to safer roads. Holiday travel and celebrations increase the risk of crashes caused by impaired, distracted, and drowsy driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt, all preventable choices that can have life-changing consequences.
In a press release, the VIPD-OHS stated, whether heading to a festival event or driving home late, commit to safe driving this New Year. Plan for a sober ride, stay focused, obey speed limits, buckle up, and never drive when tired. One choice behind the wheel can change a life forever. Celebrate responsibly and protect families, friends, and visitors throughout the Crucian Festival season and beyond.
VIPD–OHS urges motorists to stay alert, speak up, and report unsafe driving to 911 immediately to help protect lives and ensure a safe holiday season for all. The safety campaign includes slogans such as:
One Decision Can Save a Life—Including Your Own;
Drive Sober. Stay Alive;
Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving; and
If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving. To request a traffic safety presentation or learn more about impaired driving prevention, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or the Impaired Driving Program Manager, K’ Tonya Petrus at k’tonya.petrus@vi.gov. You may also contact the office via telephone at (340) 772-3025.
