NCHD provides child injury prevention signs available locally

The number one cause of child fatalities in the six-county region served by the Northeast Colorado Health Department is motor vehicle crashes. More children ages five to 19 die from crash-related injuries than from any other type of injury.

Many of these deaths can be prevented. The best way to keep children safe in the event of a motor vehicle crash is to always buckle children in age-appropriate and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats and seat belts. It is also important for adults to be role models by buckling up as well. Seat belts do save lives.

Another important step all drivers can take is to slow down, especially when traveling through residential neighborhoods. Be extra cautious when driving in areas where children are walking or playing.

NCHD is working to increase awareness and prevent child injury in northeast Colorado by partnering with multiple local businesses to provide free yard signs that families can put in their yard to remind drivers to slow down because children might be playing in the area.

The “Please Slow Down” signs are available at the following locations: Family Food Market in Sterling, Family Food Market in Julesburg, Holyoke Marketplace in Holyoke, Haxtun Super’s in Haxtun, Wray Market in Wray, Shop All in Yuma, Odell’s Supermarket in Akron and Edwards Market in Fort Morgan.

Residents are encouraged to stop by and pick up a free sign to place in your yard to promote awareness and prevent child injuries in your community.

To learn more about child injury prevention go to https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/index.html.