The Buckle Up for Life Child and Youth Safety Initiative is close to my heart for many reasons.  As a father, there is nothing more important than the safety of a child.  As a former Police Director, I've seen my share of tragic car accidents and the effects of not wearing a seat belt or using a car seat.  As Mayor, I want to do what I can to ensure that all of our youngest residents are safe

In partnership with The Children's Trust, the Buckle Up for Life campaign promotes the use of seat belts and car seats for children and youths throughout Miami-Dade County.  The initiative's goal is to educate residents on increasing safety for children on our roads.  By marketing to parents, teachers, classrooms and after-school care programs, the use of seat belts and car seats will further enhance the wellbeing of children in our community.

The Buckle up For Life campaign provides practical information on children and car seats, booster seats and seat belts.  For example, car seats should be used with kids from birth until they reach 8 to 11 years of age.  Also, did you know that the safest place in a car for any child or teen is the back seat using appropriate car seats, booster seats or seat belts? 

In Florida, you will get a ticket for not using an appropriate seat belt, and police issue tickets because seat belts and child safety seats are your best chance to survive a crash.  For more information, view the brochure.

Finally, I want to thank all of the initiative's participating partners:

• Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor
• The Children's Trust
• Children's Home Society
• Amigos for Kids
• Center for Family Child Enrichment
• University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Foundation Injury Free Coalition for Kids
• Family Resource Center of South Florida
• Florida Department of Children and Families
• Early Learning Coalition
• Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
• Miami-Dade County Public Schools Police Department
• Miami-Dade County Police Department
• Miami-Dade County Fire and Rescue Department
• Cutler Bay Police Department
• Homestead Police Department
• Miami Gardens Police Department
• Safe Kids