Safe Kids USA Celebrates Safe Crossing Week

In 2008, approximately 744 people were killed and 1,372 were injured in incidents involving trains in the United States. These incidents involved either trains and pedestrians or trains and motor vehicle occupants. Twenty-two children ages 14 and under were killed, and another 122 were injured, in incidents involving trains.

Safe Crossing Week, Nov. 1 to 7, 2009, is sponsored by CN, one of the largest railroads in North America, and Safe Kids USA. They suggest the following tips for parents and children to stay safe near railroad tracks:

• Only cross at marked railroad crossings. Always look both ways before crossing the tracks.
• Obey all signs and signals. Listen for a warning bell or train whistle. Watch for flashing lights.
• Never try to cross the tracks if a train is coming. Trains are very large and heavy, and take a long time to stop!
• When a train is coming, stand at least 10 giant steps away from the tracks. If one train passes, make sure another one isn’t coming. Trains can come from any direction at any time on any track.
• Get off your bike and walk it across the tracks. Don’t forget to wear your helmet when you ride your bike.
• Walking or playing on or near railroad tracks is dangerous.

Daylight Savings Time Reminders

On November 1, we turned back our clocks allowing us an extra hour of sleep. The end of Daylight Savings Time is welcomed by many  however it's important to remember that it will be getting darker earlier - putting pedestrians, especially child pedestrians, at risk. Pedestrian accidents increase during this time of year - through February - due to shorter days and increased darkness.

Remind child (and adult) pedestrians about these tips to keep them safe on the road:

1. Be light and bright - Wear light colored clothing and reflective safety gear to be seen by drivers.
2. Use crosswalks - Cross in a crosswalk or at the corner - places to cross the street where drivers will be expecting to see you.
3. Choose a lit path - Whenever possible, walk and cross the street in areas with good lighting
4. Make eye contact - Make sure that the driver sees you before you cross the street.  Look left, right and left again before crossing.

And finally, remind drivers to use extra caution in watching for pedestrians.

The Dangers of Second-Hand Items

With so many people looking for ways to cut corners, the pediatric experts at Dayton Children's are concerned that some parents who are trying to save money might be buying cheaper, second-hand items that can actually be dangerous to their children.

According to the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) resellers are now allowed to sell or offer for sale:

Products that have been recalled by CPSC.

• Toys and other articles intended for use by children, and any furniture, with paint or other surface coatings containing lead over specified amounts.
• Products primarily intended for children age 12 or younger with lead content over a specific amount.
• Certain toys or child care articles that contain any one of six prohibited chemicals known as phthalates, which are primarily used as plasticizers.
• Other products that violate CPSC’s safety standards, bans, rules or regulations or otherwise present a substantial product hazard.

For details about each of these items you can download the Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers which was created by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help sellers of used products understand the new law and existing regulations.