In concert with law enforcement across the U.S., V.I. Police Department officers plan to aggressively crack down on drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs over the next couple of weeks.
At a press conference Wednesday at headquarters in Frederiksted, police launched the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Police Commissioner Rodney F. Querrard Sr. said officers will be looking for impaired drivers and will arrest anyone caught driving impaired.
“Drinking and driving is not worth the tremendous risk taken,” Querrard said. “Even if you get behind the wheel after a drink or two it’s still a crime.” He said one doesn’t have to be falling down drunk to be a threat to themselves and others.
Querrard encourages people to take the initiative to stop friends and loved ones from driving while under the influence.
“Do the right thing,” Querrard said. “Don’t let someone drive drunk. Things can turn tragic and deadly.”
Police around the country step up drunk-driving enforcement in advance of holidays; this push runs through Labor Day weekend. In Washington, D.C., the acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, David Friedman, stood up Thursday to announce the crackdown, flanked by an array of uniformed officers.
V.I. police recommend if you see a drunk driver on the road to contact them. If you know someone is about to drive impaired take their keys and make other arrangements for them to get to their destination. If you’re impaired, call a taxi or a sober friend and if all other options fail call 911.
St. Croix Police Chief James Parris said folks need to know there isn’t any shame in giving someone your keys. Parris added there will be saturation patrols, traffic stops and check points all over the island.
Lt. Joseph Platt, St. Croix VIPD traffic commander, said there tends to be a surge in drinking around Labor Day, like most major holidays. He reiterated that if someone is caught driving impaired they will be arrested.
“Tragic loss of life can be prevented if we get drunk drivers off the road,” Platt said.
Lt. Roselyn Jarvis, traffic commander for the St. Thomas/St. John District, said they have had 82 arrests for drunk driving this year. She said the focus is on educating the public about deterring drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel.
“Take the keys from someone,” Jarvis said. “Stop that extra drink, take a cab, or call a friend.”
For fiscal year 2013 there were 190 DUI arrests and thus far for 2014 there have been 105. Last year there was one DUI fatality and so far this year there was one DUI fatality. In 2013 there were 96 DUI crashes and for 2014 there have been 96. For 2013 there were 19 DUI injuries and thus far for 2014 there have been 35 injuries.
