Safety issues can easily take a backseat amid the rush to stock up on fresh school supplies and fall’s hottest elementary-school fashions. But you might be surprised to know that school-related accidents account for about 2.2 million injuries each year in children under the age of 14. Happily, many of these are easily preventable.
Here’s a look at where — and how — school-related injuries occur and a few simple precautions you can take to keep your kids safe…
Playgrounds account for the majority of school-related injuries with falls from equipment making up more than half of these. Adequate playground surfacing — at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch or other loose-fill safety surface — that’s maintained throughout the year is proven to help prevent injuries from falls. Kids will be kids on the playground, and scrapes and bumps are just part of it, but adequate surfacing at your child’s school can really help minimize the risks.
Back-to-school time also increases kids’ risk of injury due to traffic, bicycles and school buses. Take a moment to review ALL basic traffic safety rules (just ignore eye-rolling) with your walkers, car riders and bicycle riders to ensure safe to-and-from school habits. Bicycle riders should always wear a helmet (buy a “cool” one if necessary – it’s cheaper than brain surgery!) and be certain that bike riders know and follow bicycle rules of the road. Bus riders should arrive at the bus stop early, know and follow the driver’s safety rules, walk several steps away from the bus upon exiting, and wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street.
Another effective preventative measure against traffic injuries is being organized and on time. Yes… easier said than done, but it’s true that when kids and parents rush to arrive at the last minute safety rules and caution can be forgotten. Kids dash across the street and parents roll through stop signs — that’s just how accidents happen. It’s a challenge, but adding 15 minutes to your morning routine can dramatically decrease the risks to your family and to others.
Clothing such as drawstring hoods and accessories like backpacks also account for several injuries each year — and have even been the reported cause in a few deaths. Drawstrings and backpack straps can become caught in bus or car doors, they’re a very real and dangerous hazard, especially for young kids. Remove or shorten drawstrings on younger kids’ garments and, once adjusted to size, cut loose or dangling backpack straps to help prevent these injuries.
Organized sports are another contributor to the tally of school-related injuries, but these don’t have to be “just part of the game.” Be fully aware of all risks, and make sure kids are properly conditioned and prepared for the physical demands of the sport, and that proper safety equipment is always used. Also ensure that the school’s sports program is prepared to treat emergencies during both practice and competition.
Kids will always be kids. Accidental scrapes, bumps, falls, and even a break or two are just a few of the things we signed on for as parents. But a little extra effort on the side of caution as the busy school year gets underway can be the difference between a simple band-aid fix and a run to the emergency room.
For more information on school-related injuries and preventative measures, see: http://www.safekids.com/ ; http://www.cpsc.gov/
2 Responses
2.2 million injuries in the year 2010? I am quite sure this number would have been increased for the year 2014, such a pity :/
This situation is sad because of the involvement of kids. I have always favored the virtues of safety preparedness for such issues. I just hope people would understand the importance! Thanks for the shared information.
Kids will be kids but adults have to be adults; negligence should not be appreciated. I don’t think we need to bring up a ‘fearful’ child but the importance of awareness is vital. I wish everybody could prepare better surroundings with kids.