Background:
As parents take care of those last minute back-to-school details, the trauma team at University Hospital and the San Antonio Auto Dealers’ Association (SAADA) want parents to think about safety too, as more children will be in vehicles going to and from school and activities during peak traffic times.
Is it time to move their preschooler from a forward-facing seat to a booster seat? Do they know how tall their child must be before riding without a booster in the backseat, with a shoulder/lap belt? These are important questions and knowing the right answers can save a child’s life.
Car crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury to children and, according to the CDC, booster seats reduce the risk of serious injury by 45% for children ages 4 to 8. In 2013, 187 children were brought to University Hospital with serious crash injuries. Of that total, 69 were not riding securely and four died as the result of their injuries. Only four of those injuries involved a child younger than 1 year, and the use of car seats likely played a role. However, 37 children ages 1 to 4, and 51 children 5 to 9, were injured. State law requires children to be restrained in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years of age, or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall.
What:
University Hospital’s trauma and injury prevention professionals will join SAADA representatives to help families of children enrolled in programs at The Neighborhood Place learn the importance of protecting their children while they ride in vehicles. And, thanks to a generous donation from SAADA, more than 100 free booster seats will be provided to these families.
Who:
- Dr. Lilly Liao, Pediatric Trauma Medical Director, University Hospital
- Susan Douglass, RN, Director Child Health & Safety, University Health System
- April Ancira, SA Auto Dealers’ Association Board Chair
- Parents and Children with The Neighborhood Place
Where:
The Neighborhood Place
3014 Rivas Place
San Antonio, TX 78228
When:
Tuesday, August 19 from 4 – 7 p.m.
