Riding a bike is a rite of passage for kids, even in an era of high-tech video games. Even if everyone is careful, however, the risk of bicycle accidents remains real. It takes a concerted effort by motorists and parents to create and maintain a safe environment - one that minimizes the risk of accidents that can result in a serious injury or even death.
The data says that this risk is very real. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, kids between ages 5 and 14 need to visit the emergency room due to injuries sustained in bicycle accidents more than any other sport or activity.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children age 15 and younger accounted for nearly 60 percent of all bicycle crash related injuries seen in an emergency department in 2001.
Tips For Teaching Kids Bicycle Safety
The first thing parents should do at the beginning of the biking season is to check and replace any broken or ill-fitting gear. Check the brakes, chain, lights, and tires on your kid's bike frequently and enlist a bicycle mechanic if you can't fix the gear yourself.
Make sure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet while riding. Explain to children the importance of wearing a helmet and how it could save their life in the case of an accident.
Wearing a helmet reduces a rider's risk of death by more than 50 percent in the case of a crash. Helmets should fit tight enough on the skull so that they cannot be easily knocked out of position and the straps should be comfortable yet snug.
Talk to your children about the rules of the road. Explain that they should always be on the lookout for opening car doors, other bicyclists, motor vehicles and pedestrians.
Set up rules or guidelines for your children. Have them avoid bicycling at night because it's harder for them to be seen by motorists. Advise them to avoid busy streets where they will be less visible amid all the traffic.
The NHTSA advises that children 10 and younger should ride on the sidewalk, though teenagers are safer riding on the street.
What To Do If Your Child Is Injured
If your child is injured in a bicycle accident or collision, get medical attention for any serious injuries immediately. If your child was hit by a motor vehicle, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help determine whether the driver of the vehicle was at fault.
