The Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) held recent car seat safety check events on St. John and St. Thomas. Installation and positioning errors, which could cause injury to a child crash victim, were found in 100% of the car seats checked, stated a news release.
“The average consumer uses car seats without ever referring to the manual,” explained VIOHS Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes. “Even well-intentioned caregivers make mistakes. Our goal, as child passenger safety technicians, is to empower caregivers by providing education and supporting safe choices.” Participating caregivers learned the correct way to install their seat and to position their young passengers to reduce injury risks. Several car and booster seats were also provided through the initiatives to caregivers in need.
The Virgin Islands Police Department and VIOHS advise the motoring community to take preventive measures to secure child passengers. In the territory, car seats and booster seats are required for children under age 8 or less than 4’9” tall (20 VIC, §466), the release stated.
For more information on child passenger safety, contact the VIOHS through daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov. You may also contact the office via telephone at (340) 712-6073 or (340) 473-7383.
