U.S. Virgin Islands –The Virgin Islands Police Department VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) collaborated with the VI Fire and Emergency Medical Service (VIFEMS) to assist motorists with securing child passengers. Seat Check Saturday on St. Thomas took place on September 20th at the Omar Brown, Sr. Fire Station.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) found an alarming 100% error rate on car seats checked. “Car seats will only protect child crash victims when used according to manufacturer’s instructions,” explained VIOHS Occupant Protection Program Manager, Denise Gomes. “We empower caregivers with the skills needed to keep their child passengers safe.” Among usage errors identified were misrouted belts, loose straps, expired seats, and disconnected tether straps.
Car and booster seats were also distributed to caregivers without seats. St. Croix’s event is scheduled for September 27th at the Wendy’s parking lot from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
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, Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov, or via telephone at (340) 712-6073 or (340) 473- 7383.
