U.S. Virgin Islands – As the Virgin Islands prepares for an exciting Memorial Day weekend, the Virgin Islands Police Department/Office of Highway Safety (VIPD/OHS) is asking every driver in the territory to make one commitment before the weekend begins: If You Drink, Do Not Drive.
“We do not want any family’s Memorial Day to be compounded by a permanent memory of suffering or loss due to a traffic related crash. Designate a sober driver. There is no excuse worth a life.”— Daphne O’Neal, Director, VIOHS Responsibility begins here, follows you there, and belongs everywhere the road takes you (responsibility.org).
§ Here, by knowing your personal limits, being mindful of your choices, and never driving drunk, distracted, drowsy or otherwise impaired.
§ There, by looking out for one another speaking up, and never letting your family and friends get behind the wheel if they are drunk or impaired, and extends
§ Everywhere, by planning for a safe ride to and from your destinations where drinking may occur and sharing responsibility messaging ahead of time with friends, family, and community members. (responsibility.org)
As we celebrate Memorial Day, let us remember that it is more than a long weekend or a day off. Take a moment to reflect on the selfless acts of our nation’s heroes; by celebrating responsibly, we honor their legacy and protect one another through every choice we make behind the wheel.
One decision can save a life—including your own.
Happy Memorial Day from the VIPD/OHS team!
For more information about the If You Feel Different, You Drive Different 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.
