Parents Magazine Names the 10 Safest States for Kids

Dr. Heyman’s Safety Suggestions!

Parents Magazine in its April 2008 issue has an article in which states are ranked based on how safe they allegedly are for kids. A variety of measures was used to provide an overview of how well individual states were doing in areas that affect child safety. Ohio came in a disappointing 35th. Nonetheless, there are lots of things parents can do (not to mention doctors, local government officials, civic organizations, health care agencies, schools, community coalitions, children’s sports organizations and other concerned citizens) to improve the situation. Here are the 21 criteria that Parents Magazine used to establish the “10 Safest States” and some suggestions on what parents might do to help their children be safer.

1. The unintentional injury death rate for kids 0 – 12.

2. The rate of injuries requiring medical attention for kids 0-5.

Check out the suggestions for all 21 points. Keep all medications out of children’s reach. Be alert to safety hazards around the home, including toxic substances, open windows and stairwells, fireplaces and heaters, stoves and electrical equipment. Keep all guns under lock and key. Be vigilant about what kinds of toys are I the home, being especially aware of those with small pieces that might represent a choke hazard.

3. Booster seat laws

Parents Magazine got this one wrong – Ohio does require auto safety restraint in the form of car seats/booster seats for all children under age 4 or under 40 lbs. Make sure your booster seat is tightly anchored in your vehicle, and have our local fire department check the installation for good measure. Consider adopting the more stringent 8 years and 80 lb. law which Ohio failed to adopt – and keep children in boosters until they truly fit in the car’s built-in restraint system.

4. Bike helmet laws

5. Helmet laws involving other wheeled sports, such as scooters or in-line skates

Some communities in the area have bike helmet requirements – Dr. Jennifer Ringel helped get one established for the city of Blue Ash. MAKE your child wear a helmet whenever she is on wheels (bike, skateboard, in-line skates, scooter and, yes, wheeled sneakers!) Get a snazzy one that looks cool, but don’t back down even if other parents aren’t as rigid!

6. Pool safety laws

Keep a careful eye on your young children whenever they are around water – at pools, water parks, parks with ponds etc. Never rely on a lifeguard UNTIL your child is able to swim and swim well! Insist that neighbors with pools have adequate fences and keep gates locked. Teach your children about water safety and teach them to swim once they have developed the cognitive ability to understand what they are doing – and this does not mean starting swimming lessons when they are 6 months!

7. The status of government-suggested school bus crossing safety improvements.

8. Laws requiring school buses to be equipped with seat belts.

Teach your children to be safe around school buses – to always wait for permission to cross the street and be careful when exiting the bus. Stress the importance of not distracting the driver and of staying seated. There isn’t much else to do until school buses have seat belts. It’s sort of amazing in 2008 that they don’t.

9. Graduated licensing requirements for teen drivers.

10. Passenger restriction laws for teen drivers.

11. Cell phone restriction laws for teen drivers.

The auto insurance industry, not to mention hospital emergency rooms, knows that young drivers are the highest risk category. Enforce all Ohio regulations with your young driver – and insist that there be no eating or drinking by the driver, no tuning the radio (except perhaps for pushing preset buttons), no use of auxiliary music devices (iPods and the like) and NO cell phone use while driving. Tell them to put their cell phone in the glove compartment and if it rings, pull over and use the phone once the car is safely parked. How frightening it is to watch teens driving with their knees while texting! Limit the number of other people in the car to avoid distraction, and set clear limits on where and when they can drive.

12. Laws that require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in homes and apartments.

This one is a no-brainer. They are inexpensive, reliable – and they plug in so you don’t even have to change the batteries. Available at all drug, hardware and home improvement stores.

13. Laws mandating safety education in schools

Parents can work with members of local boards of education to develop enhanced safety curricula for schools. We don’t need a state mandate for that!

14. The number of child safety seat inspection sites per capita

15. Laws that make it illegal to sell recalled children’s products or use them in a childcare setting.

Vigilance is the key here. With all the recalls on children’s toys and household items, it is hard to stay current with this problem. Keep a list of everything you buy for your child, including the manufacturer and when you bought it. That way if there is a recall you have an easy way to see if your child is in danger. Check your house for items that may have been recalled, as well as for items that show signs of unexpected wear, peeling paint, or small parts that might come loose – and insist that your day care provider do likewise.

16. Fireworks laws

Fireworks are dangerous and should only be used by adults who know what they are doing. Children can be injured and killed by explosions, burns and injuries from flying pieces. Parents should not allow children to be near where fireworks are being used – and they (the fireworks) should be locked up if kept around the house.

17.Playground safety laws

Children should be closely supervised on playgrounds and be encouraged to play on equipment that is age appropriate. Little children fall off climbing apparatus designed for big children; big children are injured when they attempt to use equipment designed for smaller bodies. Be certain that landing areas are mulched or padded, that swings are safe, and that care is taken on equipment with pinch points. Be certain that moving parts do not show signs of wear and tear. Parents, by the way, should be aware of dogs and strangers in playground areas.

18. The strength of legislation to limit drunk driving.

Ohio’s legal blood alcohol level is comparable to that of other states. Unfortunately some drivers are impaired below that level, and, of course, not every person driving under the influence of alcohol is identified. Warn your children about the dangers – and consequences – of driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Remind them to drive defensively, and be aware of erratic driving behavior by other drivers, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

19. Laws that make it illegal to leave a young child unattended in a motor vehicle.

Our community has seen countless tragedies related to this problem. Heat and cold can cause problems, cars slip out of gear and roll, and abductions can occur. Parents should obviously follow this safety advice, and remind their grown children to do likewise.

20. Laws that mandate the use of personal flotation devices while boating.

21. Laws that mandate boater education.

Parents can role model the use of good boating safety, including safe operation, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, knowledge of lake and river dangers (tides, currents, obstacles), and the wearing of life preservers at all times. Hot-shot boating conveys the message that hot-shot driving is OK, a message we don’t want our kids to get.