Driving with children on St. Thomas requires extra attention to safety. Between the left-side driving, mountain roads, and tropical heat, here are essential safety tips for families using Alamo, Enterprise, or National rental cars on St. Thomas.
Child Safety Seats
Ensure every child is in the appropriate safety seat:
- Infants: Rear-facing seat
- Toddlers (1-3 years): Forward-facing seat
- Children (4-7 years): Booster seat
- Older children: Standard seat belt
All three brands at STT offer child seat rentals if you do not bring your own.
Driving on the Left
Left-side driving is the biggest safety concern for visiting families. Tips:
- Have a passenger remind you to stay left
- Take it slowly, especially at intersections
- Practice in the rental facility lot before heading out
- Do not drive fatigued — jet lag affects concentration
- Use extra caution on the first day
Mountain Roads
St. Thomas's mountain roads are steep, narrow, and winding. When driving with children:
- Drive slowly and defensively
- Use lower gears on steep descents
- Keep children entertained to avoid distractions
- Take breaks if children become restless
- Avoid mountain roads at night
Heat and Hydration
St. Thomas is tropical and hot. Keep children safe from heat-related issues:
- Never leave children alone in a parked car
- Run the air conditioning while driving
- Keep plenty of water in the car
- Use sun shades on rear windows
- Check that metal buckles are not too hot before securing children
Parking Safety
When parking on St. Thomas:
- Always engage the parking brake on hills
- Turn wheels toward the curb on downhill slopes
- Lock all doors when away from the car
- Do not leave valuables visible
- Check that children exit on the curb side, not the road side
Beach Safety
When driving to beaches with children:
- Supervise children in the water at all times
- Check water conditions before entering
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen frequently
- Keep children hydrated
- Watch for jellyfish and sea urchins
- Bring a first aid kit
Emergency Preparedness
Keep these items in your rental car:
- First aid kit
- Extra water
- Snacks
- Phone charger
- Emergency contact numbers
- Rental car agreement and emergency roadside number
If You Get Lost
If you get lost with children in the car:
- Pull over safely and check your GPS
- Ask a local for directions
- Do not panic — St. Thomas is a small island
- Head toward the coast to orient yourself
