Injuries are the leading cause of death for people ages 1 to 44. Many injuries do not result in death but
place a considerable burden on the injured person, family members, community and society. About one third
of all emergency room visits and 8 percent of hospital stays are the result of injuries. Here are important
guidelines to keep you and your family safe.
Preventing motor vehicle crashes
Adjusting the radio, eating and drinking, grooming, texting, talking to passengers, using a navigation system, reading a map and using a cell phone or smartphone—hands free and not—are all distractions while driving.
It can wait. Distracted driving kills more than nine people and injures more than 1,060 per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We have all seen someone who is distracted while behind the wheel, but when we are the one who is "distracted," it is harder to realize the true dangers.
Eliminating all distractions while you drive is impossible, but there are things you can do to limit distractions
Keep your cell phone out of reach and pledge not to use it while driving.
Concentrate on the road.
Don't eat or drink while driving.
Limit music or other noise distractions.
Be well-rested and alert before driving.
Use a pet seat belt or carrier for your pet.
If you need to call or text pull off the road to a safe place.
Keep children safe. Place children in car seats or booster seats if they are 8 years old and younger, under 4'9'' tall, and weigh less than 80 pounds.
For more information, go to www.nhtsa.gov. The back seat is much safer than the front. Correctly buckle children under 13 in the back seat.
Be a good role model, speak up if you're the passenger of a distracted driver and promote safe driving to others. Keep you and your loved ones safe while on the road.
Home injury prevention
Thousands suffer burn-related injuries each year, with children under the age of 5 and adults over 65 being at the greatest risk.
To prevent scald burns (caused by hot liquid or steam) use anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads and set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
To protect your family against fire and carbon monoxide injuries, install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors inside all bedrooms, outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Test detectors monthly and change batteries once a year.
Create and practice two escape plans for your family in case of a fire
Know which household products are poisonous and keep these products out of children's reach. For a poison emergency call (800) 222-1222.
Fall prevention
Unintentional fall injuries/deaths continue to be the leading cause of death in individuals age 65 and over. Children are also at risk for fall injuries/death. Make your home safe from falls with:
Good lighting throughout the home
Grab-bars and a nightlight in bathrooms
Window guards if children are present in the home
Handrails on both sides of stairs
Removal of throw rugs from doorways and hallways
Helmet use
For many recreational activities, wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury and even save your life. During a fall or collision, most of the impact energy is absorbed by the helmet, rather than your head and brain. There are different helmets for different activities. Be sure to wear a certified helmet when bicycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding and when riding on scooters, ATVs and motorcycles.
All terrain vehicles (ATV)
Not wearing a helmet, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and driving on unsafe surfaces (highways and other paved roads) can increase the risk of injury and death on ATVs. Individuals riding on ATVs should wear protective helmets and take a safety course before riding. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that children under the age of 16 should never ride on or operate any size ATV. Nationwide, approximately 130 children under the age of 16 die each year as a result of ATV-related injuries.
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