News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, June 24, 2016
Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751
Be Extra Safe As Schools Wrap Up For The Summer
Column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua)

Children across the state are getting ready to trade their pencils and notebooks for swim suits and soccer balls, as another school year is in the books. While kids everywhere will be anxious to enjoy the beautiful weather and additional recreational time, we must be extra vigilant, as they will be more frequently out and about during both daytime and nighttime peak driving hours.

This is the time of year to be sure to use additional caution around playgrounds, parks and other locations children will likely be frequenting. An overzealous youngster may forget to look both ways when crossing the road, or fail to pay attention to their surroundings. Please join me in making sure this summer is safe and fun for everyone.

THE KEY TO SAFETY IS GOOD COMMUNICATION AND PLANNING

For those with children of their own, please be sure to go over summer safety with your young ones. Ensure they have proper attire, hydration and safety equipment when out playing and discuss ahead of time where and when children will be picked up, if you are providing transportation. The best way to avoid accidents and confusion is to clearly communicate guidelines with your child and plan ahead.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers some excellent safety tips to allow for a safe summer. Among some of their suggestions, which range from bike and playground safety to bug safety, are:

  • Avoid scented soaps and perfumes, which can attract bugs like mosquitos;
  • Do not attach ropes, leashes or similar items to play equipment, as they can strangle children. If you see something tied to play equipment, remove it or call for help;
  • If buying a helmet, look for a label that says it meets CPSC safety standards; and
  • Children who are too young for a driver's license should not operate or ride off-road vehicles. According to information from the AAP, children are involved in about 30 percent of ATV-related deaths and injuries that require a trip to the ER.

Here are some additional tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.