The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Office of Highway Safety has teamed up with EZ Driving School to launch a new seat belt safety campaign aimed at teen drivers in the territory, where seat belt use lags far behind the national average.
Backed by a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant, the “Arrive Alive, VI” Teen Drivers Outreach Project is focused on increasing correct and consistent seat belt use among young drivers and their passengers. In 2024, seat belt usage in the Virgin Islands was recorded at just 71 percent, significantly lower than the 91.9 percent national rate, according to the press release.
“Targeting this group of inexperienced drivers is a proactive effort to reduce risks for often unnecessary crash injuries and fatalities,” said VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal in a press release. She added that parents will also be given tools to help enforce seatbelt use at home.
In fiscal year 2024, drivers under age 21 were involved in 456 crashes across the territory, the press release stated.
Carmen McAlpin-Clarke, manager of EZ Driving School and project coordinator, said the partnership is already making a difference. “Our partnership continues to make a significant impact through education, advocacy and enforcement to increase seat belt usage, reduce severe injuries, and save lives,” she said. “Through this collaboration, we will continue to raise awareness, promote safer driving habits and protect motorists on the road.”
Residents are encouraged to buckle up on every trip and can contact the VIOHS for more information or to get involved in traffic safety programs, the release stated.
