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Preventing Childhood Injury
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to preventing unintentional childhood injury. SAFE KIDS is made up of over 300 state and local coalitions in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. SAFE KIDS was launched in 1988 with the premise that there are no such thing as "accidents" and that unintentional injuries could be prevented. The Campaign strives to prevent unintentional childhood injuries through proven prevention strategies, the grassroot efforts of local SAFE KIDS coalitions, public awareness/education programs, and lobbying for stronger public policy.
SAFE KIDS Howard County
As a member of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, SAFE KIDS Howard County serves as a grassroot effort to prevent childhood injuries.
Coordinator: Terry Taylor
General Information: 410-313-5936
- Since being founded in January 1999, Howard County SAFE KIDS has checked over 8,075 car seats.
- In three years, over 1,000 free bicycle helmets have been given out to the youth of Howard County.
Childhood Injury Facts
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related deathes in children 14 years and under. In 2001, 1,579 children 14 years and under died in motor vehicle crashes.
- As of January 1, 2004, 141 children have been killed by passenger air bags. Approximately 92 percent of these deaths were among children either unrestrained or improperly restrained at the time of the crash, including 23 infants in rear-facing child safety seats placed in the front passenger seat.
- Seventy-five percent of motor vehicle crashes occur within 25 miles of home. In addition, 60 percent of crashes occur on roads with posted speed limits of 40 mph or less.
- Rural areas have higher motor vehicle crash incidence rates and death rates than urban areas. In addition, crashes in rural areas tend to be more severe.
- In 2002, 22 percent of all traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under involved alcohol. Of the children killed in alcohol-related crashes, more than half were passengers in vehicles with drunk drivers. Child restraint use decreases as both the age of the child and the blood alcohol level of the child’s driver increase.
- Incorrect use of child safety seats is widespread. Although 96 percent of parents believe they install and use their child safety seats correctly, it is estimated that 82 percent of child safety seats are not installed and used correctly.
- In 2001, 134 children ages 14 and under died in bicycle-related crashes.
- In 2002, nearly 288,900 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. Nearly half (47 percent) of children ages 14 and under hospitalized for bicycle-related injuries are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
- Nearly 60 percent of all childhood bicycle-related deaths occur on secondary roads. The typical bicycle crash with a motor vehicle occurs within one mile of the bicyclist’s home.
- In 2001, 859 children ages 14 and under died as a result of unintentional drowning. Children ages 4 and under accounted for more than 60 percent of these deaths.
- Since 1990, at least 147 children have died from playground equipment-related injuries. Nearly 70 percent of these deaths occurred on home playgrounds.
Injury Prevention Tips
- Every time you ride, wear a bicycle helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. A helmet should sit on top of your head in a level position, and it should not rock forward and backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly. Ensure proper bike fit by bringing the child along when shopping for a bike. Buy a bicycle that is the right size for the child, not one he will grow into. When sitting on the seat, the child’s feet should touch the ground.
- Never leave a child unsupervised in or around water in the home. Empty all containers immediately after use and store out of reach. Never leave a child unsupervised in or around a swimming pool or spa, even for a moment. Never rely on a PFD or swimming lessons to protect a child. Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers poolside.
- Store all household products and medications locked out of children’s sight and reach. Never leave potentially poisonous household products unattended while in use. List the toll-free nationwide poison control center number (1-800-222-1222) and other emergency medical service numbers near every telephone.
Childhood Injury Research
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