< Injury Prevention Center

Recreational Safety

The Injury Prevention Center works to inform the public about ways to be safe while at play. Being outside and active is important for every child, but parents can use the following information to keep their child safe for every activity. Please choose from the categories below for safety information.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is caused by a bump or a blow to the head. Even a mild blow or "getting your bell rung," can be a serious matter. Signs of a concussion may not show up until days or weeks after the injury. Seek medical attention right away if you notice any signs of concussion in your child.

Dehydration happens when the amount of fluids that a person is drinking is less than the amount of fluids lost through sweating, urination, diarrhea or vomiting. Dehydration is very common when exercising outside, and it can lead to more serious problems like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It's important to stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motorized vehicle with three or four low-pressure tires commonly used for farming, hunting and recreation. The number of children seriously injured on ATVs increased by 150 percent from 1997-2006. (Bowman SM, 2010) The goal of the Injury Prevention Center is to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by ATV-related crashes by raising knowledge of safe riding practices. What does your doctor say about ATVs? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 16 years of age do not ride ATVs.

Always plan your T.R.I.P.S.S.

    Training: Before driving your ATV, take an ATV Safety Institute ATV Rider Course. Contact your local University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Coordinator

    Ride Off-road: Always ride on unpaved trails. The tires on ATVs are not made for paved or loose gravel roads. If you drive these roads, you could lose control of the ATV and flip over and crash.

    Impairment Danger: Don't drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving an ATV takes all of your focus.

    Plan Ahead: Plan your trip before you ride, look for hazards and let someone know where you are going.

    Single Rider: Most ATVs are made for one rider only.

    Safety Equipment: Ride your ATV only when wearing a helmet, boots, long pants, long sleeve shirt and gloves.

Parents should talk to their children about the importance of watching for vehicles and crossing the street safely when walking or riding outside. Wearing a helmet when riding can bicycle or tricycle can lower the risk of injury. Make sure your child wears a helmet on every ride.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and youth ages 1-19 in Arkansas. (2000-2007, CDC) The right safety steps need to be taken while on or near the water.

Playgrounds are great places for children to test and grow their physical abilities. But whether they’re playing on a backyard swing set or at a public park, there are some dangers on every playground.

Contact IPC

For more information on the Injury Prevention Center at Arkansas Children's Hospital, call 501-364-3400 or email us at injuryprevention@archildrens.org.