Safety and Injury Prevention

Topic Index
 
Motor Vehicle Safety
 
Fire Safety and Burns
 
Bicycle/In-line Skating/Skateboarding Safety
 
Toy Safety
 
Airway Obstruction
 
Water Safety
 
Sports Safety
 
Falls
 
Firearms
 
Glossary
 
Online Resources
 
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under, according to the National SAFE KIDS campaign. Although this death rate has declined over the years (37 percent between 1987 and 1998), children remain at risk for unintentional injury-related death and disability. Unfortunately, one in every four children each year suffers injuries that are serious enough to require medical attention. 
 
Most unintentional injuries occur between May and August, during evening hours when children are most likely to be unsupervised. Almost half of all unintentional injuries occur in or around the home.
 
However, unintentional injuries are preventable. With proper education, improvements to the children's environment, enforcement of certain safety legislation and regulations, and community involvement, many injuries can be prevented. In fact, up to 90 percent of unintentional injuries can be prevented.

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.