In a press release Thursday, the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety urged the community to remember: ‘Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving’ as the Halloween weekend approaches.
Drivers should be extra cautious on Halloween, as more pedestrians are out at night on the hunt for candy and more drivers are heading to and from festive gatherings. If plans involve joining the night’s revelry, finding a sober ride home is encouraged, according to the press release.
VIOHS reminds designated drivers to be the unsung heroes of the evening and uphold that responsibility for all passengers in the vehicle, other drivers, and pedestrians on the road. It’s never safe to drink and drive, the press release stated.
Community members attending festivities should commit to not driving under the influence. Drivers should remain vigilant for pedestrians, from children eagerly trick-or-treating to adults who might be impaired from drinking. Walking under the influence is dangerous, as inattentiveness to surroundings can endanger pedestrians, making roads hazardous for everyone. Halloween should remain a night of fun, not tragedy, the release stated.
No one should mix drinking and driving, and no one is immune to the effects of drunk driving. People who choose to drink over the legal limit should give the keys to their vehicle to a sober person and find a safe way to get home. Friends should remind each other that drinking and driving is not the answer, according to the release.
“No matter what your Halloween festivities include, make sure your party plans include a sober ride home if you’ll be out drinking,” said VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal. “We want our community to have a fun Halloween but, more importantly, a safe Halloween. If you choose to drink alcohol, drink responsibly — even one drink can impair judgment. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive.”
