A new study by Safe Kids U.S. ranks New York as the nation's fourth safest state.

Because of the increase in outdoor activities, summers are historically the most dangerous time of year for children. An average of seventeen children a day - or a total of 2,143 children -- died from May 1 to Aug. 31, 2004 (the last available reporting period) due to injuries, many of which could have been prevented. Also in 2004, 2.4 million children made emergency visits to hospitals due to accidental injuries, many of which resulted in paralysis, brain damage and other serious disabilities.

The most common causes of accidental injuries and deaths involving children during summer months are: drowning (increases 89 percent in the summer over the annual monthly average); biking (increases 45 percent); falls (increases 21 percent); motor vehicle passenger injuries (increases 20 percent); and pedestrian injuries (increases 16 percent).