The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) is offering free car seat safety checks in February to help caregivers ensure young passengers are properly secured.
VIOHS reminds motorists that U.S. Virgin Islands law requires children under 8 years old or shorter than 4’9” to be restrained in an appropriate car or booster seat. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) will provide 20-minute inspections to verify proper installation and fit, according to the press release.
“A car seat check gives caregivers peace of mind knowing their child is positioned safely, and the seat is appropriate for their development,” said VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal. “Even the best car seat won’t protect a child if it’s not used correctly.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that properly used car and booster seats reduce injuries and fatalities in crashes, the press release stated.
Safety check events will take place at the following locations:
- St. John – Peace Pine Basketball Court, Feb. 7, 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- St. Thomas – Omar Brown Sr. Fire Station, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- St. Croix – Wendy’s Parking Lot, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
These checks are for caregivers with existing car seats; no seats will be distributed, the release stated.
For more information, contact VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or Occupant Protection Program Manager Denise Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov or call 340-473-7383.
