U.S. Virgin Islands – For the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Crucian Festival travel seasons, the Virgin Islands Police Department-Office of Highway Safety (VIPD-OHS) urges all road users to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.
To emphasize the message, a cautionary roadside safety exhibit has been positioned at the intersection of Melvin H. Evans Highway and Emancipation Drive, featuring a crashed vehicle with “Randy,” a male dummy shown halfway through the windshield, and an unrestrained child dummy hanging out of the rear window to indicate the possible aftereffects of a crash. This display was made possible through the collaboration of the VIPD-OHS, St. Croix Rescue, Plaza Extra East, and Atlantic Trucking Company, community partners committed to keeping our roads safe.”
“Impaired, distracted, drowsy driving, along with persons riding unbuckled continue to take lives in our community,” said K’ Tonya Petrus, VIOHS Impaired Driving Program Manager. “This dramatic exhibit shows the tragic, all-too-real consequences. Crashes like these are preventable, and lives can be saved.”
As celebrations and gatherings increase during the holiday and festival season, the public is encouraged to:
- Drive Sober— Never under the influence of alcohol or drugs!
- Always Buckle Up—Every Trip, Every Seat, Every Time
- Do not Rush, Slow Down and obey the speed limits.
- Share the Road with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists!
Road Safety Starts with You. One decision can save a life—including your own.
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.
