BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department and Berrien County Sheriff's Office are teaming up to launch Buckle Up Berrien, an initiative dedicated to making child passenger safety more accessible to families across Berrien County.

According to Michigan State Police, vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for young children, and their risk od death can be decreased by 50 percent by ensuring they are properly restrained in the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for their age and size.

The first Buckle Up Berrien event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18 to coincide with National Injury Prevention Day. The event will be held at the Niles Fire Department on 1345 E. Main Street. 

The event is free, though it requires registration on the BCHD website. The event will include car seat safety inspections and child passenger safety tips. If you bring your child, you can also receive a free child car seat if you are eligible while supplies last.

“Access to car seats has been a critical need throughout Berrien County, so we’re excited to offer this event in partnership with the Health Department, area technicians and their agencies, as well as with fire departments hosting these events,” Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputy Kelly Laesch said. “We’re planning a few joint events in the spring and fall. Our goal is to make child passenger safety more accessible and help families feel comfortable and safe knowing their children are properly secured.”