St. Croix, USVI – Caregivers on St. Croix seized the opportunity to secure child passengers by participating in the car seat distribution hosted by the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) on Saturday, May 17th. The event provided child car safety restraints – birth through booster – to children in need at minimal cost.
The agency distributed over 100 car and booster seats during the event which aimed to empower caregivers with the knowledge, skills and support needed to keep their child passengers safe. The application process consisted of a brief online application, a YouTube training video, and an online assessment. During the event, caregivers received a brief hands-on presentation to learn the safety features of the seat provided. “Keeping children safe on the road is more than sitting them in a car or booster seat,” explained VIOHS Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes. “Even the best car seat will not protect a child crash victim if not used according to manufacturer’s instructions. Our certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians help caregivers to install the seat and position their child safely.” In the USVI, car and booster seats are required for children under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall.
Distribution efforts will continue on St. Croix, by appointment only, while supplies last. A similar opportunity will be offered to caregivers in the St. Thomas/St. John district once the safety devices become available. For more child passenger safety information or resources, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director Daphne 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.
