Utah Department of Health shares tips to prevent injuries this time of year

Summer is not only one of the best times of the year for children, it is also when they are most at-risk for serious injuries.

Because injuries are the leading cause of death for children ages 1-18, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and Safe Kids Utah encourage parents and caregivers to heed safety warnings when it comes to water, motor vehicles, helmets and heat.

“There are three major areas we like to make parents aware of,” said Cambree Applegate, Safe Kids Utah director with the UDOH. “That includes around water, in and around the car or when they are out and involved in wheel sports.”

Nationally, two-thirds of drownings occur between May and August. Applegate said UDOH encourages a “Water Watcher strategy”. When children are swimming and several adults are present, designate an adult as the “Water Watcher” for a certain period of time.

Regarding motor vehicle safety, this time of the year is the “100 Deadliest Days” and it is no time to relax, especially for teen drivers.

“It is a must when out on the road: wearing a seat belt every time you ride in a vehicle.”

Applegate said when it comes to heat safety an important reminder is to never leaving your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.

“When we are on wheels, this is for children and adults, you must wear a helmet, no matter how fast you are going.”

A complete list of summer safety tips is online at <a href=”http://safekids.org/” target=”_blank”>safekids.org</a>.

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