U.S. Virgin Islands — The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD)/Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) reminds caregivers that the VI Code requires all children under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall to ride in a developmentally appropriate car or booster seat (20 V.I.C. §466). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these safety devices are proven to reduce risks for injuries and fatalities for child crash victims. As the back-to-school season approaches, caregivers are urged to make safety a priority when transporting children.
According to the 2024 Observational Seat Belt Survey, more than half (50.67%) of the territory’s children under age 8 are transported either unrestrained or under restrained (without the appropriate car or booster seat). With an average of 14 crashes logged daily across the territory, seat belt compliance is a preventive strategy to reduce injury and fatality risks for vehicle occupants, including children. “The cost of a child safety seat is minimal compared to the astronomical cost of regret,” warned VIOHS Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes. “We must assume full responsibility for the safety of child passengers by, first, being a good role model, wearing our seat belts on every ride, and then by establishing a culture of safety where our passengers know that seat belt compliance is non-negotiable.”
VIOHS provides low-cost safety seats to caregivers in need. The application process includes an online training video that details local child passenger safety laws, consequences for non-compliance, and support services available throughout the community. Caregivers also receive one-on-one instruction from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician on the safe way to use the safety seat issued through the program.
For more child passenger safety and seat distribution information, 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.
