WHEREAS, Accidental injury is a leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under; and
     WHEREAS, Each year in Washington State, an average of 142 children, 17 years of age and younger, die from accidental injuries; and
     WHEREAS, Each year in Washington State, over 2,500 hospitalizations occur to children 17 years of age and younger for accidental injuries; and
     WHEREAS, The vast majority of injuries are preventable; and
     WHEREAS, During the summer season from May through August in Washington State an average of two children die each week due to accidental injuries; and
     WHEREAS, High-risk activities that show the greatest seasonal surge in injuries and deaths between May and August, compared to the rest of the year, are biking, water-related activities, pedestrian-related activities, motor vehicle-related activities, and other activities with a high risk of falls; and
     WHEREAS, Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids USA, and Safe Kids Washington promote childhood injury prevention by uniting diverse groups into local and state coalitions, developing innovative educational tools and strategies, initiating public policy changes, promoting new technology, and raising awareness through the media; and
     WHEREAS, Safe Kids Washington is launching Safe Kids Week 2008, "Gear Up For Safety," which focuses on safety activities; and
     WHEREAS, Safe Kids Washington is planning special childhood injury prevention activities and community-based events for Safe Kids Week 2008 in an effort to educate families about summer safety; and
     WHEREAS, Founding sponsor Johnson & Johnson and Safe Kids Washington are celebrating "Twenty Years of Creating a Safer World for Children";
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and support Safe Kids Week the first week of May, and the efforts and activities of Safe Kids to prevent childhood injury.