Action for Children has a long history of legislative success in the prevention of unintended child injuries and death.  Motor vehicle legislation including seat belt laws, a ban on teen driver cell phone use, limitations on young children’s use of all-terrain vehicles, child car seat laws and helmet requirements for young bike riders have prevented injuries and saved lives.  

Action for Children works closely with the Child Fatality Task Force, a legislative study commission.  The Task Force includes representatives from the General Assembly, the NC Pediatric Society, state and county agencies, law enforcement, universities, nonprofit and advocacy groups, foundations and others.  Relevant issues include child motorcycle and pick-up truck safety, among others. Click here for the Task Force's 2009 legislative agenda. 

Action for Children and the Task Force worked with partners to promote a new $7 million project in North Carolina to reduce the number of deaths and traumatic injuries that can occur when frustrated caregivers shake crying babies.  Scores of infants are admitted to hospitals each year for shaken baby syndrome, and many of them die.  The shaken baby research project is aimed at educating caregivers about how to respond to infant crying and will provide videos, booklets and other information in 90 hospitals statewide. Visit www.purplecryingNC.info to learn about the causes and prevention of shaken baby syndrome.