U.S. Virgin Islands – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a critical time to remind drivers about the dangers of distractions while driving. The Virgin Islands Police Department/Office of Highway Safety (VIPD/ OHS) is joining national efforts to educate the public and encourage safer driving habits to prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by distracted driving.
Distracted driving is entirely preventable, and every driver has the power to make a difference by staying focused on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of lives are lost each year due to distracted driving. While texting is one of the most dangerous distractions, other risky behaviors include talking on the phone, eating, adjusting in car systems, and interacting with passengers. Even a momentary lapse of attention can lead to catastrophic consequences.
“Safe driving is a shared responsibility,” said VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. “By staying focused behind the wheel, we can all contribute to safer roads for ourselves and those around us.”
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’re a passenger and see the driver distracted, don’t hesitate to kindly ask them 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.
