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Join Us in Celebrating National Injury Prevention Day: Protecting Our Children, Empowering Families

11/18/2025

Every year on November 18th, communities across the nation come together to observe National Injury Prevention Day, a vital initiative dedicated to raising awareness about childhood injuries and how we can prevent them. Led by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids and its partners, it is also supported by public health experts like Pro Consumer Safety and Pro Car Seat Safety, this day emphasizes the importance of proactive safety measures to safeguard our children’s health and well-being.

Why Does Injury Prevention Matter?
Despite strict safety regulations on products like baby furniture, toys, and household items, preventable injuries still occur. These incidents often happen due to simple lapses in supervision or the lack of proper safety equipment—such as falling from stairs, drowning in swimming pools, poisoning, or suffocation. Many of these injuries happen in everyday situations, from a brief moment of distraction near a hot stove to not wearing an appropriate and correctly fastened bicycle helmet, not restraining your child correctly in a properly installed car seat or booster seat, or not wearing your seat belt correctly, even during pregnancy. Remember, injuries are 100% preventable.

The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Children are natural explorers, and they learn behaviors by observing those around them—especially their parents and caregivers. Unfortunately, some learned behaviors, such as unsafe supervision or neglecting safety gear, can increase injury risk. Moreover, injuries can also stem from intentional harm or violence. That’s why it’s essential to model healthy, safe behaviors consistently.

How Can You Make a Difference?
National Injury Prevention Day provides a perfect opportunity for families, caregivers, and community members to take action. Here’s how you can participate by practicing safety measures for prevention:

Share Safety Tips on Social Media: Use the hashtag #BeInjuryFree to spread awareness and encourage others to prioritize safety.
- Share this article with resources
- Share the #BeInjuryFree banner
Wear or Display Green: Show your support by wearing or displaying green, the color symbolizing injury prevention.
Attend Local or Virtual Events: Join webinars, home safety trainings, or community gatherings to learn practical safety strategies.
Implement Safety Measures at Home:
- Regularly check that your home environment reduces injury risks. Supervise play areas, keep hazardous substances out of children’s reach.
- Home Safety
- Playground Safety,
Practice Safety Measures on the Road:
Visit Parent Central:

Evidence-Based Support and Resources
Supported by Public Health Behavior Solutions, our organization provides research-backed injury prevention strategies and train-the-trainer programs for professionals, including Health Education Materials. We also offer services designed to reduce exposure to injury risks and promote health and wellness for families everywhere.

Join Us in Making a Difference
On November 18th, let’s unite to prevent injuries before they happen. By staying informed, practicing safe behaviors, and sharing our safety knowledge, we can help create a safer environment for every child.

Visit ProCarSeatSafety.com/ParentCentral.html for practical tips, resources, and tools to protect your family. Together, we can build a future where injury-free childhoods are a reality for all.

Remember: Safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s commit to being injury-free—today and every day.

#BeInjuryFree | Injury Prevention Day | Protect Our Children

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Enhancing Safety in the Rapidly Growing Micromobility Sector: The Need for a Centralized Injury Data System and Responsible Use Guidelines

11/17/2025

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While this article is primarily aimed at public health and highway safety professionals, policymakers, and urban planners, it also offers valuable safety tips for the general public and caregivers. As micromobility—such as e-bikes and e-scooters—continues to grow rapidly, understanding how to stay safe is essential for all users and those responsible for their well-being. Recent reports from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlight concerning injury and fatality trends, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated efforts. Implementing a centralized injury data system, complemented by the formation of a dedicated task force, will help develop more effective safety policies and infrastructure improvements, ultimately reducing injuries and saving lives. At the end of this article, caregivers and users are provided with safety tips to help mitigate risks and promote responsible use of micromobility devices.

The Rise of Micromobility in Urban Transportation
Micromobility, encompassing light vehicles such as bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters, has become an integral part of sustainable urban transportation. With the convenience of short-distance travel and the proliferation of shared fleets—often rented via mobile apps—micromobility has experienced exponential growth. In the United States alone, trips on shared bikes and e-scooters more than doubled from 2017 to 2018, totaling nearly 84 million trips in 2018. As this mode of transport becomes more prevalent, understanding its safety profile is critically important.

Concerning Injury and Fatality Trends: Insights from the CPSC
Recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that injuries and fatalities related to micromobility devices are rising at an alarming rate. The CPSC’s latest report indicates that, despite various existing databases, injury and fatality data are fragmented, making it difficult to develop comprehensive safety strategies. The report emphasizes the necessity for a coordinated national effort to track these injuries systematically.

Key findings include:

Increased Injury Rates: Emergency department visits involving e-scooters and e-bikes continue to climb, with many injuries resulting in hospitalization or worse.
Fatalities on the Rise: The CPSC reports a concerning increase in fatalities, particularly involving high-speed e-scooters and e-bikes, often due to head injuries or collisions with motor vehicles.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk: Young adults, minorities, and inexperienced riders are disproportionately affected, but data gaps hinder targeted interventions.

These troubling trends highlight the urgent need for a dedicated task force to oversee injury prevention efforts, data collection, and policy implementation.

The Need for a Centralized Injury Data System and a Task Force
While various databases exist—such as hospital records, insurance claims, and transportation safety reports—they are often siloed and lack standardization. To address this, establishing a comprehensive, centralized injury database is essential. Such a system would enable real-time data collection, analysis of injury patterns, and identification of high-risk behaviors or environments.

However, data alone is insufficient. The CPSC report advocates for the creation of a national micromobility safety task force comprising stakeholders from public health, transportation agencies, law enforcement, micromobility companies, and community organizations. The task force would:

Coordinate data collection efforts across agencies and jurisdictions
Develop and enforce safety standards and regulations
Promote public awareness campaigns
Oversee research on infrastructure design and safety measures
Monitor injury and fatality trends to inform policy adjustments

This coordinated approach aims to unify efforts, streamline resources, and implement impactful safety interventions.

The Path Toward Safer Micromobility: Research, Policy, and Enforcement
As micromobility expands rapidly, ongoing research is vital to understand its full impacts and to craft effective policies. This includes:

Designing safer infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes and speed regulation zones
Promoting safe riding practices through community education
Enforcing laws on helmet use, speed limits, and designated riding areas
Holding micromobility providers accountable through safety standards and technology solutions like geofencing and user education

The CPSC underscores that without a centralized data system and a dedicated oversight body, efforts to reduce injuries and fatalities will be hampered.

Safety Tips for Micromobility Users and Caregivers

For Users:

Wear a Helmet and Protective Gear: Always wear a certified helmet and consider additional protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, especially for children or inexperienced riders - Note: For micromobility devices that are to be used on the street (not sidewalks) also have higher speeds. For micromobility transportation modes involve higher speeds on the road, such as faster e-scooters or e-bikes reaching speeds approaching or exceeding 30 mph, a motorcycle helmet is generally considered more appropriate than a standard bicycle helmet. Bicycle helmets are primarily designed to withstand impacts typical of speeds between 15 and 30 mph, with laboratory testing based on a 14 mph drop. While they provide valuable protection at lower speeds, their ability to absorb and dissipate energy diminishes significantly at higher velocities, increasing the risk of head injury. Motorcycle helmets, on the other hand, are engineered to meet more rigorous safety standards, capable of withstanding impacts at much higher speeds, often over 60 mph, and are tested in conditions that simulate real-world high-speed crashes. Therefore, at elevated speeds, motorcycle helmets offer superior protection by providing enhanced impact absorption, better retention, and overall increased safety, making them the more appropriate choice for high-speed micromobility modes on the road. But again, higher speeds do not mean this is safe, it is not.
Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic signals, signs, and roadway rules. Ride in designated bike lanes or protected pathways whenever possible.
Use Lights and Reflectors: Equip your device with front and rear lights, and wear reflective clothing or accessories to increase visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
Ride at a Safe Speed: Adjust your speed according to traffic, road conditions, and your skill level. Avoid sudden stops or maneuvers that could lead to falls.
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road, avoid using phones or listening to loud music while riding.
Ride in Designated Areas: Ride in Designated Areas: Always use bike lanes and streets designated for micromobility and avoid riding on sidewalks. E-scooters and electric bikes are not permitted on sidewalks because they are considered motorized vehicles, which are required to be driven on streets. Operating motorized micromobility devices on streets typically requires a valid driver’s license, depending on local regulations. While some areas may allow non-motorized bikes on sidewalks, riders must usually yield to pedestrians. It’s important to check and follow local rules to ensure safe and legal riding.
Supervise Children: Caregivers should supervise children closely, ensuring they wear safety gear and understand basic riding rules.

For Caregivers and Parents:

Educate About Safe Riding: Teach children proper riding techniques, traffic rules, and the importance of wearing safety gear.
Set a Good Example: Model safe riding behaviors yourself to encourage responsible use.
Choose Appropriate Equipment: Ensure that devices are suitable for the rider’s age, size, and skill level, and that safety features are functional.
Monitor Usage: Encourage responsible riding and limit riding in high-traffic areas or during poor weather conditions.
Promote Awareness: Keep children aware of their surroundings, including pedestrians, vehicles, and other hazards.

Community and Infrastructure Recommendations:

Support the development of protected bike lanes and designated micromobility zones.
Advocate for local regulations that enforce safety gear use and responsible riding.
Promote community education campaigns about micromobility safety practices.

By following these safety tips, riders and caregivers can reduce the risk of injuries and contribute to a safer environment for everyone using micromobility devices.

References

Burford, K. G., Itzkowitz, N. G., Rundle, A. G., DiMaggio, C., & Mooney, S. J. (2024). The burden of injuries associated with E-Bikes, powered scooters, hoverboards, and bicycles in the United States: 2019‒2022. American Journal of Public Health, 114(12), 1365–1374. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2024.307820
Tark, J. & Directorate for Epidemiology, Division of Hazard Analysis, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2022). Micromobility Products-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns: 2017–2021. In Micromobility-Related Deaths, Injuries, and Hazard Patterns [Report]. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Micromobility-Products-Related-Deaths-Injuries-and-Hazard-Patterns-2017-2021.pdf?VersionId=ZwIbrSm70AOuwb4de8hlVrn63Jx_SB.e%23:~:text=All%20Micromobility%20Products%20o%20CPSC,2017%2C%20to%2048%20in%202021.&text=E%2DScooters%20o%20CPSC%20staff,fatalities%20from%202017%20through%202021
Younes, H. (2025). Comparing injuries from e-scooters, e-bikes, and bicycles in the United States. Journal of Cycling and Micromobility Research, 4, 100061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcmr.2025.100061

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After Remembrance Day, Focus Shifts to Prevention: Road Traffic Deaths Are 100% Preventable

11/17/2025

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As the world remembers victims of road crashes, experts emphasize the importance of proactive safety measures to save lives, especially among children and young people.

In the wake of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, an annual event held on the third Sunday of November, advocates and safety experts are urging drivers, parents, and caregivers to recognize that many of these tragedies are entirely preventable. While the day honors those who have lost their lives on the roads, it also serves as a stark reminder that proactive steps can significantly reduce fatalities and injuries.

According to the most recent Global Status Report on Road Safety (2023), roadway crashes remain the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5 to 29 years old. Despite some progress in reducing overall road traffic deaths—from 1.25 million in 2010 to approximately 1.19 million in 2021—millions of lives continue to be lost each year, many of which could have been prevented.

Preventive Measures Save Lives

Experts highlight that simple, effective actions can make a critical difference, including:

Wearing seat belts properly for every trip, including those who are pregnant
Restraining children properly in correctly installed child safety seats.
Avoiding distractions, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving while sleepy.
Adhering to speed limits and adjusting driving speed according to road conditions.

A Call to Action for All Road Users

"Every death on our roads is a tragedy that can be avoided," says Dr James DeCarli, an Injury and Neuroepidemologist, and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) with Public Health Behavior Solutions and Pro Car Seat Safety. "After we honor lives lost, we need to shift our focus from remembrance to prevention by making safety a priority every day."

Support for Parents and Caregivers
To assist families in ensuring their children are properly secured, the National Car Seat Call Center is available for guidance. Drivers, parents, and caregivers can contact the center at (323) 491-6197 for expert advice on car seat safety and installation.

While we continue to honor those we've lost, let us also commit to protecting the living. Every step we take in our behaviors while on the road, saves lives—because prevention is in our hands. Please share this article and/or the downloadable handout, on social media using: #RoadSafety #PreventableDeaths #SaferRoads #ProtectLives

For more information or assistance, visit Pro Car Seat Safety, or contact the National Car Seat Call Center at (323) 491-6197.

References

Global status report on road safety 2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2023. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/46275f9f-ef66-4892-8ddd-a496ef8c1b74/content
World Day of Remembrance Foundation. (2025, November 16). World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. World Day of Remembrance. https://worlddayofremembrance.org

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Join Us in Celebrating National Injury Prevention Day: Protecting Our Children, Empowering Families

Enhancing Safety in the Rapidly Growing Micromobility Sector: The Need for a Centralized Injury Data System and Responsible Use Guidelines

Safety Tips for Micromobility Users and Caregivers

References

After Remembrance Day, Focus Shifts to Prevention: Road Traffic Deaths Are 100% Preventable

Preventive Measures Save Lives

A Call to Action for All Road Users

References

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