In the News - 18 Kids Killed in Toy-Related Accidents in 2007

When I was reading my morning news, this article on MSNBC immediately caught my attention: 18 kids killed in toy-related accidents in 2007, especially with the sub-headline, "Safety commission: Majority of deaths caused by blocked airways, drowning".

Apparently, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), at least 18 children under 15 years old died in toy-related accidents in 2007.

The majority of these deaths were caused by blocked airways, drowning or accidents involving motor vehicles, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission data. Many of the incidents were not caused by the toys, but occurred while the children were playing.

Fourteen of the 18 children were boys.

This is just another warning for parents to make completely sure your children are supervised when playing. And certainly children under 15 should absolutely NOT be riding on off-road vehicles by themselves but I see it here in Texas all the time.

As parents we have to remember that children often don't think about consequences and they see themselves as indestructible. It's our job to remind them that consequences exist for their actions and that they can, in fact, get hurt or even die if they aren't careful.

Sure, sometimes it's a break for us to let our children play on their own for a while, but please check in on them and make sure the area they are playing in is safe.

CSPC Top 5 toy hazards:

1. Scooters and other Riding Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn at all times and be sized to fit.


2. Small Balls and other Toys with Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.


3. Balloons - Children under eight yrs. can choke or suffocate on un-inflated or broken balloons. Keep un-inflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.


4. Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.


5. Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

More Information:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission Toy Recalls and Product Safety News


• Consumer Product Safety Commission Toy Safety Tips for the Holidays


• Consumer Product Safety Commission Toy Memo 2007


• Backyard Safety Checklist from the Home Safety Council