Child Safety

Child Safety

       Please help us keep our children safe. I was running earlier this week at lunch and came across three kids playing in the street - one riding a bike, one on a skateboard, and one on rollerblades. I’d say they were 10 - 12 years old or so. None of the three had helmets or any other visible safety attire, and they were in the street!

        Here is a photo with proper safety equipment. Maybe just add sunglasses to protect the eyes and she is set!

         Two of the bigger areas of safety concerns we see regarding children are the proper use of car seats, and the wearing of helmets. Moreover, they are both the law!

         First, regarding car seats. North Carolina law requires children to use child safety seats until the child is 8 years old, or weighs 80 pounds. The attorneys in our firm confirm that they simply don’t see serious child injuries, barring of course physical contact or penetration by an other object, even in serious accidents if a child is properly secured in a car seat.

         National statistics confirm that children are more than twice as likely to be serious injured or killed if they are not properly restrained in car seats. Specific emphasis is placed on making sure the safety seats are properly installed. In North Carolina your local law enforcement, Highway patrol office, and fire departments can direct you to a local approved “Checking Station” to help you confirm proper installation.

        Bicycle helmets are required for every person under 16 on public roads, areas, or paths in North Carolina. The helmet must be a proper and approved bicycle helmet. Local bicycle shops will gladly educate you on the safety certification stickers inside all quality bicycle helmets.

        A very high percentage of serious injuries and death from bicycle wrecks are due to traumatic brain injuries. Some estimates are as high as two-thirds all deaths are due to head injuries. Further, estimates range anywhere from 50% to 75+% of all serious traumatic brain injuries from bicycle accidents would have been preventable with a proper helmet.

         Back to my little friends on the street - please let’s help keep them safe by giving them our support and encouragement.

School’s Back In Session!

School’s Back In Session!

       There is a lot of excitement around our house - school starts this week! The start of a new school year is always a time of excitement and anticipation, but is also it a time to review and remember a few aspects of safety, particularly for our youngsters. Unfortunately, at our law firm we have seen too many times when an accident, injury, or some other harm dampens the year before it really gets started.

       The first thing that we will all notice is that traffic in general is heavier. That means we need to remind ourselves to be sure to stay alert and practice paying attention to our best driving skills. Additionally, it is a good time to remind ourselves to be courteous and respectful to other drivers. Good manners go a long way toward being safe!

        Next, let’s all help to look out for our youngsters. Please pay particular attention during the early morning hours. Schools start early and many children will be out waiting for the buses in the dark. Some of them need a constant watchful eye, while others simply need help just learning where to stand for the school bus. In either case, they need our help and our support.

       Try something with me this week - at least one time offer some of our young people a kind word of support and encouragement. Especially the kids in our own neighborhoods need to know we care and that the they have a network of support. It makes a difference and will make their day just a little bit better (and your’s too!).

       Lastly, all those yellow school buses. Yes, they at times seem to slow us down....don’t they know we are in a hurry! But, we will all get where we are going so please be patient. Every year we hear about injuries from incidents with school buses. They are big, yellow, and have flashers for a reason. Please use extreme caution around the buses. North Carolina has a very a very good resource guide (click here: http://www.ncbussafety.org/) for parents, teachers and students that focuses on these sorts of safety issues.

      Join our Daggett Shuler Team and let’s make this a great school year!