St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – In recognition of National Distracted Driving Month, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) – Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) Impaired Driving Program and Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) collaborated with the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to engage with employees from various divisions/units, including meter readers, linemen, and water personnel, on the critical issue of traffic safety. This important initiative, coordinated in conjunction with WAPA’s safety unit, was held on April 15th and 16th.
Throughout the two-day event, VIPD and VIOHS representatives led educational discussions with WAPA employees to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. Attendees received valuable information on remaining focused while on the road and avoiding common distractions, such as mobile phone use, speeding, and other behaviors that contribute to traffic crashes. Additionally, Denise Gomes, Occupant Protection Program Manager, discussed the importance of seat belt and child passenger safety laws, followed by Lt. Alexander Moorhead IV, MCSAP Commander for St. Croix, who provided guidance on proper Commercial Motor Vehicle inspection procedures.
“The opportunity to collaborate with WAPA on this initiative was truly valuable,” said VIOHS Impaired Driving Program Manager, K’ Tonya Petrus. “By engaging directly with their employees, we were able to share essential information and equip them with additional safety tools to make safe driving choices both in their personal lives and on the job, while also gaining valuable insights on how to more effectively educate the community on these critical issues.”
At WAPA, safety is more than a policy — it is a daily commitment we owe to ourselves, our families, and our community,” said Gerry Simon, Interim Safety Director at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. “This partnership with VIPD- VIOHS gave our team members an opportunity to reflect on how even a moment of distraction behind the wheel can change lives forever. We’re grateful for the chance to recommit to stay focused on the road.”
Make the Commitment to: Drive Distraction-Free
To combat the dangers of distracted driving, VIOHS encourages all drivers to commit to distraction-free driving by:
✓ Putting phones away and set your phone “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving.
✓ Pulling over safely if a call or text is necessary.
✓ Avoiding other distractions like eating, grooming, or adjusting navigation systems while in motion.
✓ Speak up if you are a passenger and see the driver distracted, do not hesitate to kindly ask the driver to focus.
✓ Lead by example and encourage others to drive distraction-free.
Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
Stay Focused, Stay Safe- Just Drive!
For more information, and resources on impaired driving prevention visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving or www.vipd.vi.gov. To request a traffic safety presentation, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov, or 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, or (340) 513-5291.
