Be sure ur seatbelt doesn't take a vacay too!

[Gromit]

This program has been going on for a while now but will continue thru June 6.

Make sure you wear your seatbelt or it could cost you!

http://stjohnsource.com/content/news/lo ... art-monday

[Pia]

I'm going to add do not use your cell phone and drive - it is against the law in the VI's and they will give you a ticket

Pia

[Paul]

Unfortunately, I was one of the 600 citations issued last year during this campaign. The police officer scared my daughter...he wasn't the most pleasant person. I certainly won't forget to "buckle-up" this year.

[KTinTX]

Hmmm...

Ticket for no seatbelt: $50

Ticket for calling home to check on kids while driving to Maho to enjoy some time without them: $50

No mention or acknowledgment of the cold beer in your hand as you pull off the road and sign the tickets: PRICELESS

Sorry, I couldn't pass this one up. Though I can fully understand the cell phone thing on STJ because you'd end up off the road or a hood ornament for a water truck and never even see it coming.

[stjohnjulie]

They are out in force too! There were a lot of tickets being issued in Coral Bay a couple of days ago. Pretty easy to just stand on the side of the road and flag people over as they drive by. One person flagging, one or two writing tickets.

The cell phone thing makes me mental. I can't believe people try to drive here while holding their phone. Even if you can navigate the curvy roads, you need to be so defensive of other drivers that you should have both hands available. I saw a trucker talking on his phone with one hand, honking his horn with the other, while going around a sharp curve. That left no hands to make the curve, but maybe he thought the blaring horn was enough to keep all of the traffic out of his way so he didn't have to drive?

[Pia]

Yep, there is one bus driver that makes me crazy - one hand with the phone and one leg up on/by the dashboard and going fast.............aaargh. I just know one day that bus is going off the edge and if I'm on it, well it's been nice knowing you

[irbgolfin]

Been awhile since I've been in the back of a pickup/taxi, but I don't seem to recall seat belts in those. The reference to an issue with the lack of enforceability of it at the end is interesting... Sort of a, do what's right and safe, unless it hurts the tourism $$$ for the taxi drivers...

[designbyroe]

My friend Chris was telling me a story of how a friend of hers was on island this last winter, and the person driving was texting..WTH!!
I was blown away.
Some people just do not think.....

[Gromit]

True Story.

My pals roomate on STT got pulled over.

He had an open Heiniken between his legs and a joint hanging out of his mouth and got a ticket for not wearing his seatbelt.

Go figure.

[pipanale]

Let me ask this then...and I'll state, in advance that I'm more or less insane when it comes to car seats...seeing how they saved the 8 year old's life twice.

Is it required that said 8-year old be in a booster seat while in the backseat of a Jeep between 2 adults? We only plan to leave it at home because the backseat will be tight with all 3 of them back there (We're rending a Liberty). I am probably bringing it anyway (and facing some sideways looks) because I don't like the idea of her and I going out alone and having her in the back sans booster and adult cushioning.

But, are the rules the same for kids under 80 lbs?

[Tess' Dad]

On our trip in 2007 I got pulled over in town. Alone with an open container. The policeman asked where I was from. Pittsburgh, I said. That's in Pennsylvania asked the policeman? Yes sir. Do they have seatbelts in Pennsylvania? With that I buckled up and he continued his beat.

Jason

[Gromit]

I do want to emphasize -- for the record -- that I do not condone drinking and driving. Seriously, I don't.

I'm just saying that the officers generally focus on certain things when they want to and right now it's clearly seatbelt and cell phone usage.

Historically, it has been my experience that they have been less uptight about open containers and recreational drug use. But that is just my experience. I am not making judgements either way.

I know in the past couple of years they have posted banners in Cruz Bay about drinking and driving. So you obviously engage in risky behavior at your own risk.

But, before anyone gets upset, I just want to be sure that my little story does not imply that I encourage or condone any illegal behavior.

Just simply trying to convey the island oddities that exist with regards to enforcement of various things.

[stjohnjulie]

As far as car seats and booster seats for kids, I can say that if it is the law, it is not enforced. Kids must be in the back seat, but I've NEVER seen anyone, or heard of anyone, being pulled over or ticket for not having their kids restrained in a seat belt, car seat, or booster seat. I would think that they would have a very hard time implementing/enforcing such a law since we have almost all open air taxis with no restraints provided.

My son is almost 9, and most of the time when his friends are in my car I have to tell them to put a seat belt on. They just aren't used to using them. The biggest thing we have going for us is that our travel speeds are much slower than stateside speeds. The more speed, the more injury. You do have to check and see where the shoulder strap lies on your child. If it is too high, I lock the seat belt, by pulling it out all the way before buckling it, and only use the lap strap.

[pipanale]

Thanks Julie. Maybe we'll carry one less item and leave the booster at home. I'll prop her on a phone book or some towels if she needs the height!