FREDERIKSTED — Police Commissioner Trevor A. Velinor and the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) announced the launch their high-visibility enforcement campaign beginning July 1 to September 30.
High-visibility enforcement is designed to deter people from driving after consuming alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, and prescription medication.
The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) will be increasing the number of the law enforcement officers to protect the lives of residents and visitors in the community. You will see increased enforcement on the roadways, conducting zero-tolerance Comprehensive Sobriety Roadside Checkpoints to detect and apprehend those who drive impaired.
In Fiscal Year 2019, the Virgin Islands experienced a total of 4,722 collisions territory-wide; 709 of those collisions resulted in injuries, while 18 were reported as fatalities. The territory also incurred 79 DUI arrests and two impaired driving-related fatalities.
By working together, Commissioner Velinor and the Office of Highway Safety are encouraging the public to practice safe driving by complying to the traffic rules and regulations, which can reduce crashes, save lives, and prevent injuries in our community.
Continue to follow the COVID-19 protocols to protect you and your family’s health. Remember to always be vigilant and to put safety first by planning a safe way home before you start to drink.
If you plan to go out and enjoy the evening with alcohol, select a designated driver. Join us in helping to keep everyone safe on the road.
Also, if you plan to be out on the water, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and the U.S. Coast Guard ask you not to pilot your boat while drinking.