U.S. Virgin Islands – Motorists with young children flocked to car seat distributions held by the VI Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) on St. Croix. Over a three-week period, approximately 160 children received safety devices which are proven to reduce crash injury risks. In the territory, car and booster seats are required for child passengers under age 8 or less than 4’9″ tall.
Distribution efforts provided much more than age-appropriate child safety restraints. The application process included an online training video and assessment to increase caregiver understanding of VI child passenger safety laws, the various car seat stages, and the hazards of non-compliance. Additionally, upon receipt of the seat, caregivers received a 20-minute session on the features of their new seat with safe positioning techniques. “This is more than just giving out seats,” offered VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. “When caregivers know the what, the why and the how, they become empowered to make safer choices for the children in their care.”
Similar efforts will occur on St. Thomas on June 7th at the Tutu Park Mall, and on June 8th at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles on St. John. Preregistration steps can be found on VIPD’s social media platforms.
For more information or to inquire about child passenger safety resources, 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.
