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 Safe Kids Utah was organized in 1995 as part of the National SAFE KIDS Coalition 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
- 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.
