Pedestrian injuries, that is injuries that take place in road traffic settings and in private driveways and parking lots, are the leading cause of death in 4-8-year old children. Most children are injured when they run into traffic, cross the street, and walk or crawl near cars. The accidents are likely to occur after school hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Parents can take the following steps to prevent pedestrian injuries:

Reduce exposure to traffic
• Have children exit cars or buses where they will not need to cross the street.
• Allow children to play in areas separate from cars and traffic.

Increase Visibility
• Prohibit parking where children are likely to cross the street.
• Park on an angle when possible.
• Design circular driveways so drivers don't need to back up.
• Attach reflectors on children's clothing.

Teach Children Safe Pedestrian Behavior
• Guide children in real-life street-crossing strategies.
• Teach school-age children not to run out into the street, especially between intersections.
• Accompany children across streets -- hold hands and look both ways.
• Supervise play near streets.

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

Accidental poisoning of babies is one of the most perplexing problems faced by parents. Even the most conscientious parents often are unsure how to handle potentially harmful products. The leading cause of poisoning in young children is due to an overdose of candy-flavored aspirin or vitamins.

Here are 7 Ways to Prevent Accidental Poisonings:

• 1. If you leave the room while using a product that could harm your child, even for an instant, cap and put the product away or take it with you.
• 2. Keep vitamins and medicine containers out of your child's reach -- off of night tables, kitchen counters and the bathroom sink.
• 3. Consider safer, eco-friendly alternatives for harsh chemical-based bleach, scouring powder, room deodorizers, disinfectants and toilet-bowl cleaners. Very alkaline substances cause substantial chemical burns to the mouth and esophagus when swallowed, even in small amounts.
• 4. Place a child-resistance lock on under-the-sink cabinets and consider moving poisonous household substances to higher shelves so they are not easily accessible for toddlers.
• 5. Keep drinks with alcohol out of the child’s reach.
• 6. Put trash and recycling out of your child's reach.
• 7. Eliminate poisonous plants from the area where your child plays. Call your local Poison Control (listed with emergency numbers in the phone book), for the names of the plants.

If you suspect a child has swallowed or inhaled any harmful product, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 OR 9-1-1 immediately. Report what the child has swallowed. Take the container to the phone so you can answer any questions about the contents. If a child is unconscious or in convulsions, follow the steps you are told to take until help arrives.

• Swallowed poison: Induce vomiting ONLY if emergency personnel on the phone tell you to do so. Some petroleum products or caustic poisons will cause more damage if the child is made to vomit. Always keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand (1 ounce for each child in the household) to use to induce vomiting. If recommended by emergency personnel, be sure the date is current.
• Poison in eye: Do not use eye drops or chemicals.
• Poison on skin: If pesticide splashes on the skin, drench area with water and remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it separately from other laundry.
• Inhaled poison: Carry child to fresh air immediately.
  Loosen child's tight clothing. If the victim's skin is blue or the victim has stopped breathing, give artificial respiration (if you know how) and call rescue service for help.
  Open doors and windows so no one else will be poisoned by fumes.

For information about pesticide products and their toxicity, visit National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) at http://npic.orst.edu/ or call 1-800-858-7378.

For information about lead and its toxicity, visit National Lead Information Center, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/ or call 1-800-424-LEAD

For more information, visit www.babyeverywhere.com.

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