Every year Virgin Islanders have and enjoy our own unique ways of celebrating Christmas, the New Year, and all the other special days in between. Long holidays and social events are days and nights filled with fun, visiting family and friends, attending parties, eating and going to the beach. Many of our celebrations also include generous quantities of liquor, which raises the possibility of more impaired drivers behind the wheel and on the road. The very best advice during this season is simple – keep safety at the top of your holiday list.

The Police Department also welcomes all visitors to our beautiful islands. We hope you enjoy our wonderful weather, our hospitality and all of the compliments of the season. Remember however, that if an activity is not safe or wise at home, it will not be safe or wise away from home.

The Virgin Islands Police Department wants the entire community to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Here are some reminders to help keep this holiday season safe and incident free.

Catch A Buzz, Catch A Ride
If you’ve had too much to drink, be responsible and get a ride home. Call a taxi, call the police, or get a friend or relative who hasn’t been drinking to take you home. Far too many people think that you have to be “falling down drunk” to be too impaired to safely drive. Even if you don’t think that you are drunk, your responses and ability to react quickly to traffic situations and road conditions are affected by alcohol or drugs. Know your options and play it safe - catch a ride or stay where you are and sleep it off.

Think Safety
This is the time of year when we’re all busy and rushed. While safety may not be at the top of your Christmas list, it is on the minds of the Police Department. When out holiday shopping, take the extra precaution of locking all of your purchases securely in your trunk and out of sight. If you have access to a cell phone, carry or take it with you. When entering your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. Finally, as you shop, be aware in crowded places.

Designate A Driver
Before the partying begins, choose someone in your group who will be responsible for providing safe and sober transportation. This person, your designated driver, person pledges to consume only non-alcoholic beverages. Designating a driver is not an excuse for other occupants of the vehicle to use alcohol excessively or irresponsibly. Over the holiday season, make sure everyone in your group takes a turn as the designated driver.

Wear Your Seat Belt
Wear your seat belt or protective gear if you’re on a motorcycle. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers on the road. National statistics show that the leading cause of death for people under the age of 35 is not wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts can prevent death in about half of these accidents. Being thrown from a moving vehicle is the number one cause of death in car crashes. Staying inside the vehicle is your best chance of survival. Seatbelts save lives.

This season is about joy, thanksgiving, love and fun. The Police Department wants to ensure that all of these are achieved with peace and safety in mind. Have fun, but let common sense be your guide. Happy holidays on behalf of the men and women of the Virgin Islands Police Department.