US Virgin Islands - This Thanksgiving holiday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is teaming up with VI Police Department (VIPD & Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) to make sure you Make It to The Thanksgiving Table.

With the Thanksgiving holiday kicking off a very merry time of year, it’s essential to take some time to remember that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If your plans to celebrate include alcohol, be sure to plan for a sober driver.

The Buzzed Driving Prevention campaign aims to inspire recognition of the many familiar warning signs indicating impairment, including oversharing, taking too many selfies, or even over-texting. “Unfortunately, drunk driving is a real threat to our community, and that threat increases during holidays like Thanksgiving. Driving drunk is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk", said VIPD Commissioner Ray A. Martinez. VIOHS recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Remember that it is NEVER okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver, or call a taxi or a sober friend to get home safely.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and plan to get your friend home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact 911, provide vehicle make, model, license plate (if obtained) & direction traveled.
• Wearing your seat belt is the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers & follow the speed limit.
• Share the Road: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility

The VI Police Department is working together with NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. By working together, we can save lives and help keep our roadways safe. “We know friends and families will be especially excited to gather around the Thanksgiving table this year,” said VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal. Please join in sharing the lifesaving message: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving during the holiday weekend.

For more information on impaired driving, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through the Impaired Driving Coordinator, K’ Tonya Petrus at k’tonya.petrus@vi.gov, or VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov.

Traffic Safety is Our #1 Priority