Whether you’re a parent of an infant or toddler or your own parents are starting to age, accidents are a reason to be concerned. It’s a fact that preventable accidents are the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. The truth is, we are all vulnerable to accidents at any time of our lives and should make safety a priority.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and the National Safety Council, for children less than 1 year of age, two thirds of injury deaths were due to suffocation. Overworked and exhausted parents might be tempted to bring a fussy baby into the their bed to get them to sleep, but this is a very dangerous habit, especially when you’re so tired you may roll over the baby and cause suffocation. All infants under one year need to sleep in their own cribs, on their backs, with no stuffed animals, toys, blankets or pillows.
For children age 0 to 24 years, CDC findings conclude that an average of 12,175 children lose their lives each year, with males rates twice those of females. Injuries due to transportation were the leading cause of preventable death for the children in this age group. Injuries and fatalities can be reduced if you make sure your children and teens buckle up every time they are in the car and young children have the appropriate car seats. As teens begin to drive on their own, parents must make sure they have had adequate time and experience on the road before they venture out alone, and stress the dangers of distracted driving. This age group also shows a number of accidental deaths are due to bicycling and pedestrian accidents. Make sure your children wear the appropriate helmets when cycling and that they are aware of their surroundings when crossing streets. Today’s cell phones and personal devices can be a dangerous distraction.
From 25 to 65 the leading cause of accidental death is caused by poisoning. 9.8% of deaths in this age group are the result of an accidental poisoning. If you take medications, always ask your doctor or pharmacist about drug interactions or serious side effects, if you must take pain medication, only take as much as you absolutely need, as these medications can suppress your central nervous system. Always store drugs in the bottle they came in and make sure they are properly labeled. Never mix drugs unless under the advice of your physician, always dispose of expired prescriptions, and never share your medications with family members or friends.
And finally, as we or our parents start to age, there is a real concern for safety, right in our own homes. The leading cause of accidental death in people over 65 is due to a slip and fall. It is estimated that as many as 65 accidental deaths from slips and falls are occurring every day. There are a number of simple solutions to keep our loved ones safe which include installing sturdy hand rails in bath and tub enclosures, applying nonskid surfaces in bathrooms and slippery tubs, and making sure there is adequate lighting throughout the house. Wearing sturdy, well-fitted, shoes with no heals and non-slip soles are also recommended for seniors.
Remember, June is National Safety Month but safety is something we must practice every day, all year long. Don’t let a preventable accident rob you of a loved one when simple safety precautions can save a life. If you need effective legal counsel you can trust, call us at 1.877.732.2491 or fill out the free consultation form in the sidebar to request a free review of your case.