In observance of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Office of Highway Safety partnered with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to educate employees about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, according to a press release issued Thursday.
The two-day outreach, held April 15-16 on St. Croix, brought together WAPA personnel from several divisions — including meter readers, linemen, and water workers — for safety discussions led by the VIPD’s Impaired Driving and Motor Carrier Safety programs. The sessions emphasized safe driving practices on and off the job, highlighting the consequences of distracted behavior behind the wheel, according to the press release.
Participants received guidance on staying focused while driving, reducing phone use, avoiding speeding, and steering clear of other risk factors associated with crashes. Denise Gomes, the Office of Highway Safety’s Occupant Protection Program Manager, spoke about seat belt use and child passenger safety laws. Lt. Alexander Moorhead IV, MCSAP Commander for St. Croix, presented on proper inspection procedures for commercial motor vehicles, the press release stated.
“The opportunity to collaborate with WAPA on this initiative was truly valuable,” said K’Tonya Petrus, Impaired Driving Program Manager for the Office of Highway Safety. “By engaging directly with their employees, we were able to share essential information and equip them with additional safety tools to make safe driving choices both in their personal lives and on the job, while also gaining valuable insights on how to more effectively educate the community on these critical issues.”
WAPA Interim Safety Director Gerry Simon said the initiative provided a necessary reminder that safety behind the wheel is part of the agency’s broader responsibility.
“At WAPA, safety is more than a policy — it is a daily commitment we owe to ourselves, our families, and our community,” Simon said. “This partnership with VIPD-VIOHS gave our team members an opportunity to reflect on how even a moment of distraction behind the wheel can change lives forever. We’re grateful for the chance to recommit to stay focused on the road.”
The Office of Highway Safety encourages all drivers to put phones away while driving, pull over if a call or text is necessary, avoid multitasking while on the road, and speak up as a passenger if a driver is distracted, the release stated.
For more information or to request a traffic safety presentation, visit www.vipd.vi.gov or contact the Office of Highway Safety at 340-772-3025 or 340-513-5291.
