“Economic obstacles should not be the determining factor as to whether an infant or toddler is safe on our roads,” said Ruby Fleming, of Fleming’s Transport. “There’s no better investment in our communities than supporting the safety of our children,” remarked Kishma Vincent, director of Cargo Operations for Crowley in the Virgin Islands.
The two women were announcing that their respective shipping companies were joining in efforts by the V.I. Police Department and the VI Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) to provide no cost child car safety restraints to child passengers across the territory.
Through the VIOHS Occupant Protection Program’s Car Seat Loaner Program, car seats and booster seats are provided to child passengers in need at no cost. However, shipping for these bulky devices can be cost prohibitive. Responding to this urgent community need, shipping companies Crowley and Flemings Transport answered the agency’s request for sponsorship of shipping and clearance fees for these lifesaving devices, an announcement from VIOHS indicated.
“When we were approached and advised of the exorbitant costs of shipping these car seats to the Virgin Islands, we eagerly agreed to cover all shipping costs,” said Ms. Fleming. “These car seats which are used to safely transport infants and toddlers are an important function of public safety. Fleming’s Transport welcomed the opportunity to assist VIOHS and encourages others to do the same.”
“Crowley proudly partnered with the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Office of Highway Safety to help ensure that car seats can be provided to protect the safety of people’s most precious cargo – our infants and kids,” Ms. Vincent said.
VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez explained that the generosity of the shipping companies would allow the program to assist more people. “The savings realized through their sponsorship will purchase additional seats, which are desperately needed.”
The 2022 Annual Observational Rear Seat Survey that reported an at-risk rate of over 79% for children under age 12 is supported by new evidence daily, according to VIOHS Director Daphne O’Neal. “Risks taken with child passengers can be observed every day.”
“We are asking ‘the village’ to intervene when children are seen riding unsafely. Your concern may save a life,” O’Neal appealed. Thus far, Crowley and Fleming’s Transport have heeded the call, as has local pediatrician Dr. Anthony Ricketts.
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