Injuries are a leading health threat for children. More than 6,600 children die and more than 14 million children are hurt each year in the United States from injuries. Some of these children have permanent disabilities, and all of these children and their families experience pain and suffering. Injuries do not need to hurt or kill so many of our children.
Late-Breaking News
Shopping Cart and Stroller Injuries
Each year in the U.S., almost 24,000 children age 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries associated with shopping carts. Most of these injuries (84%) occur in children under 5 years of age. These types of injuries have been increasing in recent years and have risen 30% since 1985.
In San Diego County, there were 39 shopping cart-related injuries and 34 stroller-related injuries in 1998-1999. Most of the cases (86%) involved children under 4 years of age and were the most common injury reported for children in that age group. In 69% of the incidents, the child was transported to a medical facility. Although most of the injuries were “mild” in status, there is a potential for severe head/neck injury. In fact, more than half of the children complained of a traumatic head or neck injury. Therefore, attention needs to be paid to the risk shopping carts and strollers pose to children. Parents and guardians should be sure to use the safety straps provided in many shopping carts and strollers correctly and regularly. It could save a child from brain damage or even death!
Caretakers as Impaired Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury to children younger than 15 in San Diego County. From 1996 through 1999, 6,202 children under 15 were injured or killed as passengers in motor vehicle crashes in the county, and 341 of those children were in alcohol-related crashes. In 30% of the crashes, the children were passengers of the impaired driver!
Child passengers of impaired drivers were significantly less likely to be in a child safety seat or seatbelt than passengers in crashes where the other driver was at fault. Passengers in the DUI driver’s car suffered more severe injuries than passengers whose drivers were not impaired. Although the majority of DUI crashes happen between 1 am and 2 am, DUI crashes involving children peak between 6 pm and 7 pm. These findings emphasize the need to educate parents and caretakers about the danger, not only to themselves but also to their passengers, of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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