Articles Tagged with children’s injuries

Child and parent riding bikes at sunsetThe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall of children’s bicycles due to a defect that causes the handlebars and stem of the bike to loosen or, in some cases, detach from the frame. To date, this defect has resulted in about 19 reported injuries.

The recall affects more than 80,000 bikes manufactured by woom Bikes USA and designed for children ranging in age from toddler to 14 years. For additional information concerning this recall and the bicycles affected, read “Thousands of children’s bicycles recalled after reports of handlebars detaching.”

Young-passengers-400-04526567d-300x200The recent drop in temperature was a sudden reminder that winter is on its way – time to break out the heavy coats and other cold weather gear. For drivers, it’s also time to reassess your safety checklist before hitting the road, especially when travelling with young children.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds us that it can be just as dangerous to leave young children alone in a car during the winter as it is in the summer. Children are more susceptible than adults to injuries from the cold.

In light of this, it can be challenging to keep young children warm and safe while  in the car. Bulky winter clothing can interfere with the harnesses of child car seats, resulting in a fit too loose to protect the child in the event of an accident. For tips on how to overcome this and other winter hazards, read the NHTSA’s article “Keep Your Little Ones Warm and Safe in Their Car Seats.

baby-walkers-400-06876419d-300x200The past couple of decades has seen a significant reduction in the number of baby walker-related injuries thanks to stricter safety standards, but is that enough? Not according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and at least one New Jersey lawmaker who want to see a ban on the sale of these items.

Baby walkers are used by very young children full of curiosity but totally unaware of the potential dangers around them. On top of that, these devises allow babies to travel at surprisingly quick speeds – up to 4 feet per second. This combination leads to thousands of injuries each year

Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) recently introduced a bill that would prohibit anyone in the State from selling baby walkers and impose fines of $10,000 for first-time offenders and $20,000 for subsequent violations. Although the bill was endorsed by the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee this past February, it does not have a companion bill in the Assembly nor a sponsor other than Greenstein. What’s more is that opponents claim such a State ban may be prohibited under Federal law. To learn more read, “New Jersey senator wants baby walkers removed from stores.”

helmets-400-04409904d-300x200Does your child wear a helmet every time he or she rides a bike? What about when rollerblading or riding a scooter or skateboard? With summer approaching, these activities become more popular, affording children the opportunity to get both fresh air and exercise. That’s great provided children practice good safety habits.

Research recently showed that more than 425,000 children are injured each year as a result of wheeled sports. While broken bones are the most frequently reported injury, serious head injuries also rank fairly high, leading doctors to emphasize the importance of wearing safety helmets when engaged in any wheeled sporting activity.

On a positive note, the research showed a significant decrease in the number of bicycle-related injuries; however, injuries from another wheeled sport have been on the rise. Do you know which one? Read “Falls sent 426,000 kids to ERs in a year, new study finds” to find out.

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