Category: Safety

Drowsy driving crashes underreported, study finds
The report, released Thursday, analyzed dash-cam video from more than 700 crashes and linked nearly 1 in 10 to drowsiness. Federal estimates indicate drowsiness is a factor in about 1 to 2 percent of crashes.

The common and not so common injuries sustained at Christmas
In in the US, there were 407 Christmas-related admissions to emergency departments in December 2016. Surprisingly, more than half of those admitted were women. Of the 407 admissions, 84 were caused by Christmas lights, 40 were caused by Christmas trees and/or their supports, and 159 were caused by Christmas decorations. The remainder were from a variety of causes.

Experts explain why lead found In fidget spinners is no idle threat
That fidget spinner your kid can’t put down? It turns out it may be putting children at risk for lead exposure. That’s according to a report out Thursday from a consumer advocacy group, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund.

Bounce house regulations, enforcement lacking as injuries soar
Inflatable attractions like bounce houses, obstacle courses and slides have increased in popularity in recent decades. But they can be dangerous and they are often unregulated. A Stateline analysis estimates bounce houses were involved in 20,700 injuries last year.

Gun sellers join forces to curb suicide-by-firearm, rampant in rural areas
Across the country, suicide rates are higher in rural areas than in urban centers. In 2015, rural communities saw 19 people per 100,000 kill themselves, compared with 11 per 100,000 in urban areas, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s injury statistics database.

Five reasons why hot weather raises health alarms
Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous. When temperatures are very hot in King County, we see a rise in the number of hospitalizations, 911 calls, and, sadly, deaths. And it’s not just heat stroke and heat exhaustion: heart problems, stroke, and kidney failure are common health problems on hot days.

Free child car seat checks in King County
Several free child car seat check events are happening locally over the next few months for parents, parents-to-be and caregivers. Whether this is your first time installing a car seat in preparation for the arrival of a new baby or you’ve done this many times, installing car seats correctly can be tricky.

More states adopt ‘click it or ticket’ laws; But do they work?
Not everyone is convinced the tougher seat belt laws reduce fatalities. And some opponents say the laws are another example of government interference and can lead to racial profiling.

Seattle Children’s offering free child car seat safety checks starting this weekend
Child passenger safety experts at Seattle Children’s will check your child in a car seat, booster seat or seat belt and answer any questions you may have. New and expecting parents are welcome. For more information, see the flyer (PDF) or call Seattle Children’s Car Seat Program at 206-987-5999. You’ll learn: What type of safety seat or seat […]