U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) launches a seat belt safety initiative with EZ Driving School. The Teen Drivers Outreach Project, Arrive Alive, VI, is funded by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grant and aims to educate and encourage correct and consistent seat belt use by teen drivers and their peers, while empowering parents to monitor and enforce teen compliance.
Seat belt compliance in the territory is at crisis levels when compared to the mainland usage rate of 91.9%. In 2024 the VIOHS’s Observational Seat Belt Survey reported a 71.0% seat belt usage rate for drivers and their front seat passengers. Teen drivers continue to appear on the list of at-risk groups for seat belt compliance. “Targeting this group of inexperienced drivers is a proactive effort to reduce risks for often unnecessary crash injuries and fatalities,” noted VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. “As additional reinforcement, parents will be empowered with realistic, enforceable expectations and strategies to support their teens in consistently making safe decisions.” Local drivers under age 21 were involved in 456 crashes in FY 2024.
“Our partnership continues to make a significant impact through education, advocacy and enforcement to increase seat belt usage, reduce severe injuries, and save lives,” stated EZ Driving School Manager and Project Coordinator, Carmen McAlpin-Clarke. “Through this collaboration, we will continue to raise awareness, promote safer driving habits and protect motorists on the road.”
Buckle up, VI! Every trip. Everyone. Every time. For more information on the Teen Drivers Outreach Project or to learn ways to get involved in traffic safety, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or Occupant Protection Program Manager, Denise Gomes, at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov or via telephone at (340) 473-7383.
