Accidents are the leading cause of death among children 1-4 years of age. The risk of an accident occurring to your child varies depending on your living situation. Your risk is increased if you have a swimming pool, an older home that contains lead-based paint, kerosene heaters, firearms, or do not use proper child restraints for car travel. There are many possible ways that a child can be injured. This section lists some major categories.
Additional lists are available through links.
As demonstrated by the above graph, motor vehicle accidents are the most common single cause of injury to children. Despite recent concerns about air bags, appropriate restraint devices are important to reducing these injuries. Car seats, seat belts, and proper positioning of the infant in the car can reduce these injuries. More than 4,000 people die each year in fires, primarily from smoke inhalation. You can reduce your risk by using smoke detectors, having a family escape plan, and not smoking in the house.