July 2000 Accidents don't have to happen by Dr. Rob Hicks Accidents will happen, or so the saying goes. But most accidents, and the pain and suffering they bring, would not happen if we took more care and used our common sense.
Most accidents involve the old and, in particular, the young.
Children are impulsive, adventurous, and inexperienced, and, the older people become, the less agile and quick they are. Each year, over 2 million children need treatment in a casualty department following an accident. The under 5's tend to have more accidents around the home, where their fearless and inquisitive nature often leads to them falling down, suffering burns, or accidentally poisoning themselves with medicines and household products left lying around. Older children are often involved in accidents on the road, where their injuries are usually very serious and, often fatal. If we think about, and are more aware of, the risks children face in everyday situations, and take steps to reduce these risks, then the majority of accidents can be prevented.