From 1999-2003, more than 560 Utah children
died needlessly from unintentional injuries. Every year, the lives
of more than 110 children are cut short in motor vehicle crashes,
falls, drownings, poisonings and motor vehicle-pedestrian crashes.
Unintentional injury is consistently the
leading cause of death for Utah children ages 1-19. More children
die from injuries than from cancer, birth defects, pneumonia and
suicide combined.
The Utah SAFE KIDS Coalition was organized in
1995 to address the issue of childhood injuries, and to look for
ways to keep children safer. The coalition includes representatives
from private business, government organizations, hospitals, schools
and child advocacy groups. The coalition’s mission is simple – to
make Utah a safer place for children by preventing unintentional
injuries and fatalities through:
- raising community awareness;
- influencing policies;
- promoting safety; and
- establishing private/public partnerships.
There are now SAFE KIDS Coalitions and
Chapters in every corner of the state.
They are staffed by injury prevention specialists whose major
efforts include bike helmet education and car seat education and
inspections. They’re also available to answer questions about any of
your child safety concerns.
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