NEWSLETTER | December 2021 |
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New from the National Responsible
Fatherhood Clearinghouse!
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Happy Holidays from the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse! Thank you for connecting with us over this past year through our newsletters, webinars, the website, and in other ways. As we all navigate a new normal, we are grateful for each individual, practitioner, and organization that we have had the privilege to collaborate with and to serve. We hope you have a happy and safe holiday and we look forward to continuing to connect with you in 2022! |
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Two of the most celebrated dates in December – Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – are also among the most dangerous. In 2018, drunk-driving crashes claimed 108 lives in those two days alone, accounting for nearly half of total traffic deaths. That is why Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) teams up with law enforcement agencies across the country throughout the month of December to promote National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 28 people in the United States die each day (one person every 52 minutes) in drunk-driving crashes, which amounts to over 10,000 deaths per year. While these deaths typically represent around a third of all traffic fatalities, that increases to nearly 50 percent on December 24 and December 31.
Impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol. In 2020, an NHTSA study reported the proportion of drivers testing positive for opioids nearly doubled after mid-March, compared to the previous six months, while marijuana prevalence increased by about 50%. Many medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause impairment, especially if combined with alcohol. Drowsy driving is another form of impairment. In 2019, 697 people died from drowsy-driving related crashes.
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On the subject of safety and the holidays, Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. According to a Stanford Children's Health study, approximately 217,000 children are treated at hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Riding toys, such as tricycles and nonpowered scooters, are the leading cause of toy-related injuries. Children under age three are at greater risk for choking on toys than older children, due to their tendency to put everything in their mouths. When it comes to toys and gifts, it’s important to consider the safety and age range of the toys. Just because it’s advertised as the “toy of the season,” doesn’t mean it’s right for every child. Toys with small parts, batteries, and projectile pieces can be dangerous for children, especially those under three. When buying for a child with special needs, consider individual skill level and abilities.
We all look forward to spending time with friends and family during the holidays. We hope this safety reminder and the following tips will help keep you and yours safe this year.
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As natural protectors, dads play an important role in keeping the family safe. Part of that is modeling what’s safe and what’s not. For example, set the expectation of wearing a seatbelt by buckling up yourself. Here are some other holiday safety tips:
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Don’t drink and drive. If you’re planning to drink alcohol, have a plan to get home safely. Call a taxi or use a rideshare app. The cost is minimal compared to the risk.
- Be aware of any medicines or other factors that may impair driving.
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If you’re hosting the gathering, plan to offer non-alcoholic options for guests. The Food Network has a great selection of festive mocktail recipes.
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When buying toys, especially riding toys, make sure you also get the appropriate safety gear. For example, buy a helmet with the bike. Not sure how to select safe toys? Stanford Children’s Health offers a great safety checklist of things to look for.
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We are available by phone.
If you need resources or support, give us a call on our
Parent Help Line at 1-877-4-DAD-411 (1-877-432-3411).
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Here are some ideas to help the dads in your program be responsible role models and keep their families safe:
- Invite someone from the local hospital emergency room to talk about toy-related injuries.
- Encourage dads to consider the safety and recommended age range of toys before they buy holiday gifts.
- Facilitate a group discussion about holiday safety tips. Invite dads to share their personal stories and ideas.
- Provide handouts and other resources to reinforce safety tips.
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Encourage dads to consider non-alcoholic options for their holiday gatherings. Print and share mocktail recipes.
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Invite someone from Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) to make a group presentation.
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Disclaimer: Reference to specific products, services, or companies does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. Government, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), or the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse. ACF is not responsible for the contents of “off-site” web page references or for any private, third-party, pop-up, or browser-integrated software or applications. |
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Upcoming Events
NRFC is monitoring events and will update our website and in newsletters if events are canceled.
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Our Mission: The goals of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse are to provide, facilitate, and disseminate current research and proven and innovative strategies that will encourage and strengthen fathers and families and providers of services.
Our Resources: Visit the NRFC website for fatherhood topics and tools, news, and new publications, which can be found through the NRFC online library search.
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