Injury Prevention Calendar

December 2-6 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Published 12/4/2024

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of traffic deaths involving a driver 65 and older in 2022 was the highest since at least 1975. There was also a 6% increase in traffic deaths in this age range between 2021 and 2022.  For Texas in 2023, there were 6,124 drivers involved in fatal crashes. Of those drivers in fatal crashes, 11.22% (624) were aged 65 and older (Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT.) NHTSA provides fact sheets, conversation starters, and safety tips to help older drivers and their families stay safe on the road during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week and year-round.

Practice Safe Driving During the Holiday Season

Published 12/4/2024

The holiday season brings increased roadway traffic, inclement weather, and impaired drivers. Preparation before traveling – no matter the distance – is key to preventing injuries and fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes.

Holiday travel safety tips:

• Visit DriveTexas.org to check road conditions, including road closures and construction zones, before traveling.
• Prepare for severe weather. Visit TxDOT for Texas-specific weather driving information and NHTSA for general winter weather driving information.
• Don’t plan to drink without a plan to get home safely. Your life and the lives of others are at risk every time a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking. Don’t drink and drive.  

Prioritize Toy Safety

Published 12/4/2024

Toys and games are tons of fun for kids and adults. Whether your kids are working on a puzzle, playing with building blocks, or even inventing their own games, here are some toy safety tips to help them stay safer and have a blast.

The Hard Facts about Toy Safety

• In 2021, nearly 122,000 children under the age of 15 were seen in emergency departments for toy-related injuries.
• That’s 334 kids every day. Almost 60% of those injured were children younger than 5.

Top Tips about Toy Safety

1. Consider your child’s age when purchasing a toy or game. Read the instructions and warning labels to make sure the toy is just right for your child.
2. Check to make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards before you settle on the perfect toy.
3. Separate toys by age and keep a special eye on small game pieces that may be a choking hazard for young children. Toys intended for older children may pose a risk to younger, curious siblings.
4. Use a bin or container to store toys when playtime is over. Make sure there are no holes or hinges that could catch little fingers.

Texas Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Education Series Open for Registration

Published 8/21/2024

The Texas Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Education Series helps equip prehospital providers with the necessary knowledge to provide optimal care for children during emergencies.

This monthly series runs through July 2025. These 1-hour virtual sessions highlight evidence-based or best practice guidelines and resources for adoption in EMS agencies. Topics include pediatric triage tools, multi-system trauma, airway and respiratory management, and non-accidental trauma.

Learn more about the series in this PDF or follow this link to register.

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