At Mary Washington Healthcare, we look to empower individuals in our community
and help them establish healthy behaviors and routines that will encourage
a safer lifestyle. Part of this comes from our involvement in injury prevention
programs throughout Fredericksburg, Stafford, and surrounding areas in
Virginia. By educating our community on safety and wellness, we can help
prevent injury.
Bike and Skateboard Safety
Riding a bike is a great way to spend time with your family. It is also
an excellent way to stay fit. However, it is important to practice bike
safety in order to avoid injury. Injuries can range from cuts and bruises
to more serious issues such as broken bones, internal injuries and head trauma.
It is important to remember the following when riding bikes and skateboards:
Make sure you/your child have proper training
Keep new bike riders in an enclosed area
Wear a properly-fitted helmet
Wear reflective clothing
Make sure your bike has reflectors on the frame and wheels
Buy a bike that you or your children fit
Obey the rules of the road
Be aware of your surroundings
Always wear protective equipment
Ride with traffic, not against it
Learn and use hand signals
Pool Safety
Child drownings remain the leading cause of unintentional death among children
ages 1 to 4 years old.
Young children can drown in anything over an inch of water. Toilet bowls
and buckets are extremely hazardous for very young children. A child’s
head up to about age 3 is very heavy – about two-thirds of their
body weight. They can innocently look over the edge into the bucket or
toilet and go head-first right in, unable to call for help.
Backyard pools always require undivided attention and supervision from
adults. The safest fencing is at least 4 feet tall and secured with a
self-latching gate.
Being safe when on or near a river is also very important. Unfortunately,
most river drowning victims don’t make it to the hospital and the
tragedy turns into a recovery mission instead of a rescue. Popular riverside
parks are not always a safe place for swimming, and everyone should wear
a personal flotation device when they are on or near a river. The river
may look calm on the surface, but there are dangerous undercurrents tree
branches underneath that cannot be seen. Also, shoreline rocks and logs
can be extremely slippery.
If someone is in trouble in the water, call 911 immediately.
Reach or Throw, Row, Don’t Go:
Reach: Use a fishing pole, towel, boat oar, etc.
Throw: A rope is best - you can then pull in the person. Otherwise throw
something that will float - a ball, a plastic bottle, a lifebuoy. This
will keep the person afloat until help comes.
Row: It's not safe to go near a swimmer with the boat motor running. Use
the oars to bring the boat close enough to reach or throw.
Don't Go: Without expert training and experience in lifesaving techniques,
you could put yourself in danger along with the person you are trying to help.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of trauma in our area. Driving
while distracted or intoxicated dramatically increases your risk of being
involved in a motor vehicle crash. Crashes are not accidents. Stop and
think before getting behind the wheel.
Think Before You Drive
Eat, drink and make phone calls BEFORE you drive
Leave early so you aren’t stressed
Be familiar with your vehicle’s instrumentation.
Check your route BEFORE leaving. Do not attempt to read a map while driving.
Attend to personal grooming BEFORE you drive.
Stay Focused and Pay Attention
Limit interaction with passengers.
Avoid the temptation to talk on the phone while driving
Never text while driving.
Keep our eyes on the road
Don’t take notes while driving. Find a safe place to stop before
writing things down.
Avoid Driver Fatigue
Don’t drive if you are tired
If you begin to feel sleepy while driving, pull off the road in a safe
place to rest
Share the driving responsibilities on long trips
Don’t daydream while driving
Don’t Drive When Angry or Upset
Avoid emotional conversations with passengers while driving
Pull over to the side of the road if you are too upset to drive
Drive Defensively
Avoid “rubbernecking” to look at crashes or other activities
on the road
Always have an “out” and be prepared to use it
Keep a vigilant watch around the vehicle by shifting your eyes every few
seconds and checking your rearview mirror
Use your signals early enough when turning and changing lanes
