More independence and less adult supervision can put children at risk for injuries from falls and other accidents. Here are a few tips to help protect your child:

Protect your child in the car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pdf icon[1.15 MB / 1 page]external icon recommends that you keep your child in a booster seat until he is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. Remember: your child should still ride in the back seat until he or she is 12 years of age because it’s safer there. Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of death from unintentional injury among children of this age.
Know where your child is and whether a responsible adult is present. Make plans with your child for when he will call you, where you can find him, and what time you expect him home.
Make sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bike or a skateboard or using inline skates; riding on a motorcycle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle; or playing contact sports.
Many children get home from school before their parents get home from work. It is important to have clear rules and plans for your child when she is home alone.