U.S. Virgin Islands – The VI Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) reminds motorists that they are legally liable for injuries sustained by unrestrained passengers in their care. In the territory, all vehicle occupants, despite age or seating position, are required to wear an appropriate safety restraint. Special accommodation, however, is required to safely secure child passengers.
The VI Code requires child passengers under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall to ride in an age, weight, and developmentally appropriate car or booster seat. “If you are responsible for transporting children, know that you are civilly and criminally responsible for their safety,” warned VIOHS Occupant Protection Program Manager, Denise Gomes. “When transporting children, even as a favor to family or friends, be sure that you have an appropriate safety seat for that child. Improperly restrained children face grave crash outcomes, including ejection, which can be fatal.” VIOHS connects caregivers with Child Passenger Safety Technicians who assist caregivers with selecting and installing these safety devices.
For more information on occupant protection and child passenger safety strategies, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov, or Ms. Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov. You may also contact the office via telephone at (340) 712-6073 or (340) 473-7383.
