Deaths from motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children over the age of one. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, every day during 2007 an average of 5 children 14 years old or younger died from injuries resulting from motor vehicle crashes. In 2005, twelve teens, 16 to 19 years old, died every day from motor vehicle injuries.
For children under age of 16, seat belt, safety seat and booster seat use play a significant role in preventing these deaths. When correctly installed and used, child safety seats reduce the risk of injury and death resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years. Child restraint systems also must be correctly installed to provide the greatest protection. One study observed nearly 3,500 observed car and booster seats. Of these, 72.6% were improperly used which could increase a child’s risk of injury during a car crash. And remember that nearly 50 children die annually after being forgotten in their caretakers’ vehicle. Please call 911 or bust out a window if you see a child left in an unrunning vehicle.
For teens, seat belt use, alcohol, driving experience and the numbers of other teen passengers in their car are factors highly related to motor vehicle crash deaths. In 2006, 77% of teen drivers who were drinking and were killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing a seat belt. In 2006, 25% of drivers ages 15 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a BAC of 0.08 g/dl or higher. The risk to teens is also increased by their lack of driving experience, especially during the first year in which teenagers are licensed to drive. The risk of crashes is especially increased with multiple teen passengers in a car driven by a teen.
Many of the recommended and the promising strategies for preventing deaths from motor vehicle (car) crashes focus on the use of safety restraints, reducing impaired driving and for adolescents-implementing graduated licensing requirements.
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‘Safety Nick’, as he is affectionately known, is the owner and operator of Home Hazard Prevention, LLC (HHP). As a professional firefighter in the Valley since 2005 with an extensive background in responding to and preventing emergencies, Nick felt that it was time to help the citizens of Maricopa and Pinal Counties learn how to be safe and protect their loved ones in a proactive manner. In 2012, HHP was launched. With the support of his wonderful (and understanding!) wife and two beautiful children, Nick works tireless hours, not only to help save your family’s lives, as a firefighter and a community safety expert, but also to be able to spend quality time with his family. Nick moved to Arizona over 20 years ago and enjoys exploring our great state with his family.
Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your family or business safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There is no one more qualified than a group of professional firefighters to keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or Nick@HomeHazardPrevention.com
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