Bike riding is a very important part of a child’s daily exercise. However, along with the fun and importance of bicycle riding comes an obligation for parents to educate their children about how to ride safely. 61.4% of hospitalizations for bike accidents are children (www.baterem.org). 80% of accidents occur during the months April-October, and a majority (65%) occur during the hours of 1400-2000. A road, which does not have a cross, walk is considered a bigger risk than those roads that do have cross walks: 59% of accidents occur on a road with no cross walk.
Head injury is the most common cause of death in bicycle accidents. Use of a helmet may decrease the risk of fatal head injury by 75%. Yet despite these numbers, les than one quarter of children use helmets at the time they are riding (especially children aged 11-14). A new law passed in 2008 requires all bike riders to be wearing a helmet while riding.
How can we protect our children from bike accidents?
Bike helmets are not optional! There is no room for negotiations and the chin strap must be fastened at all times. Just like a seat belt for the car is not optional at any age so too a bike helmet.
Check that the helmet is on securely:
The helmet should be approximately two fingers above the eyebrows (not more and not less)
The straps should form a V under the ears of the child, and the chin strap should be snug but comfortable.
The helmet should remain in place when the child opens his/her mouth.
Convince other parents to insist on helmet use for their own children
Children under 10 years old should not drive a bike on the street
Make sure that there is a working light on the front of the bike and reflectors on the sides
Emphasize to your child that a bike is a vehicle and that he/she must :
Ride in the direction that the traffic is moving
Stop completely at stop signs and traffic lights
Before any entry into the road, stop, and look left, right and again left.
Not ride at night and use the front light at dusk
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