USVI examines hindrances to pedestrian safety

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) joined forces with its federal partner, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to conduct a Walking Safety Assessment of Veterans Drive.

The initiative engaged several community stakeholders across agencies, organizations, and personal interests to identify pedestrian safety concerns on the roadway. Walks were conducted on the afternoon of October 29 and the morning of October 30 to observe traffic patterns at various times of the day. Participant teams, donning safety vests, walked west from the VI Legislature Building to Seaborne Airlines and back, recording observations along the way.

Sidewalks blocked by parked vehicles, poles, and planters forced the group to interact with traffic. In many areas, sidewalks, uneven and muddy, presented slip and trip hazards. Pedestrian crossing lights were sparsely available and provided an insufficient 10-seconds to cross the four-lane street. One wheelchair bound participant required assistance to safely navigate several curbs with ramps ending higher than street level. “Our roads must be safe for everyone, despite mode of transportation or ability,” VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal, said. “This initiative sought perspectives from individuals with varied professional backgrounds and personal experiences for a holistic solution.”