U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) received overwhelming support from VI Police Department Traffic Enforcement Officers and caregivers across the territory over the last several weeks to reduce crash injury risks for child passengers. In the territory, child safety restraints – car and booster seats – are required for child passengers under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall.
Traffic enforcement teams have been conducting high-visibility checkpoints throughout the territory to address traffic infractions such as driving under the influence of intoxicating substances, expired registration, and excessive tint. Officers were also on the lookout for motorists transporting child passengers in unsafe ways. “The number of children found riding without appropriate restraint is shocking!” exclaimed St. Thomas/St. John Motor Carrier Commander, Sergeant Joycelyn Lee-Bobb. “Violators were educated on the risks of riding unrestrained and referred to the Office of Highway Safety to get car seats.”
Since February, VIOHS distributed 435 car and booster seats to caregivers in need. The distribution process includes online and in-person caregiver education on VI child passenger safety laws, physical and economic risks of non-compliance, the support services provided through the agency, and the safe way to use their new safety seat. For resources or for more information on the appropriate way to secure vehicle occupants, including child passengers, please contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov, Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov, or via telephone at (340) 712-6073 or (340) 473- 7383.
