VIPD Targeting Impaired Drivers During Enforcement Campaign

The V.I. Police Department is once again targeting impaired drivers on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John during the National Enforcement Crackdown on Impaired Driving Campaign.

VIPD Commissioner Novelle Francis announced the campaign which began Friday, August 20, and ends Labor Day Monday, September 6. This campaign is a collaborative effort between the VIPD, Office of Highway Safety and other law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

The goal of this campaign is to save lives by preventing traffic fatalities and impaired driving, explained Francis.

“Our message to motorists is simple and unwavering — if you get caught driving while impaired, you will be arrested,” he said. “No exceptions.”

Last fiscal year officers made 121 impaired driving arrests as of July 2010, and will be conducting more arrests in support of the national crackdown. Sadly, two traffic fatalities were recorded in the territory for the year.

“We will be out in force to get more drunk drivers off the road — and save lives that might otherwise be lost,” said the VIPD Commissioner.

The use of alcohol increases during holiday celebrations and other activities. VIPD officers will be out in record numbers to help keep the roadways safe and the entire community can get involved by dialing 911 to report drunk drivers.

The campaign includes visible enforcement checkpoints as well as education and prevention tips for the Virgin Islands motoring community. Once the campaign ends the public will be notified of the results.