U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department/Office of Highway Safety (VIPD/OHS) reminds motorists that long days, late nights, and busy schedules can leave drivers exhausted. However, getting behind the wheel while tired can have life-changing consequences.
During the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 1–7. VIPD/OHS joins the national effort to promote this year’s theme “Sleep First. Drive Alert.”, motorists are encouraged to:
· Get 7–8 hours of sleep before driving.
· Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness before getting behind the wheel.
· Take regular breaks during long trips.
· Never push through fatigue. If you feel sleepy, pull over somewhere safe and rest.
Coffee may provide a temporary boost, but it is not a substitute for sleep. If you become drowsy while driving, stop in a safe location. Drinking coffee before taking a 20-minute power nap may temporarily help improve alertness. However, if you remain tired, do not resume driving.
Your destination can wait. Your life and the lives of others cannot.
VIPD/OHS encourages everyone to make safe driving a priority.
Too Tired to Drive? Pull Over and Rest. Arrive Alive.
Sleep First. Drive Alert.
For more information about drowsy driving prevention and safe driving practices, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. 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) 712-6126.
