U.S. Virgin Islands – The Virgin Islands Police Department VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) will join the nation in observing Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week from September 21 through September 27. This annual event is supported by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. through proclamation.
VIOHS will host a free car seat safety check for motorists with children. “Even the best car seat will not keep a child crash victim safe during a crash if it is not used correctly,” explained Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes. “Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians found usage errors in more than 85% of car seats checked locally. Like the annual physical, an annual car seat safety check must become routine.” Local Seat Check Saturdays are scheduled on September 20th on St. Thomas at the Omar Brown Sr. Fire Station and on September 27th at the Wendy’s Parking Lot on St. Croix. Both events will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
VIOHS distributed over 400 car and booster seats in 2025. In limited supply, safety restraints will be available at these community events for caregivers in need. In the territory, car seats are required for child passengers under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall.
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.
