81R19156 MMS-D
By: Truitt H.C.R. No. 149
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature has designated April as Child
Safety Month in the State of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Children and adolescents are at high risk for many
injuries that can lead to death or disability; in 2002,
unintentional injury was the leading cause of death among young
people aged 1 through 19 and the sixth leading cause of death among
infants; and
WHEREAS, The most common causes of fatal injuries among
children aged 1 to 14 across the United States in 2002 were motor
vehicle accidents, drowning, and fire, respectively, with
poisoning and falls also ranking high on the list; among children up
to 14 years of age, it is estimated that traumatic brain injuries
annually cause more than 2,500 deaths, some 37,000
hospitalizations, and approximately 435,000 visits to an emergency
room; and
WHEREAS, It is vital that adults who care for children
understand children's vulnerability to accidents and take measures
to remove or avoid potential threats; many lives can be saved by
such commonsense measures as the use of smoke alarms, seat belts,
bicycle helmets, and safety and booster seats, and by not leaving
children unattended in vehicles or around even shallow water; as
children grow older, in addition to being guarded from harm, they
need to be taught how to look out for their own safety; and
WHEREAS, Child Safety Month provides an excellent
opportunity to raise awareness about a crucial public health issue,
and efforts to promote child safety in the Lone Star State are to be
commended and encouraged; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby recognize April 2009 as Child Safety Month in Texas.