subject: Bicycling Accidents and Injuries in Children [print this page] Bicycling Accidents and Injuries in Children
Why is bike safety important?
Bicycle accidents, especially for kids include falls, collisions with stationary objects, collisions with pedestrians or collisions with other bikes. About one-half the injuries to children under the age of 10 involved the head or face. A head injury can lead to brain injury and this is why it is important for children to wear their bike helmet. Wearing one doesn't mean you can be reckless, but a helmet will provide some protection for your face, head, and brain in case an accident does occur. Understanding bicycle safety can reduce the risk of severe injuries and in some cases even death. Practicing proper bicycle safety techniques can raises a child's awareness, prevent childhood injuries and potentially save their lives.
Safety Check
Before pushing the pedal to the metal, here our some simple tips to keep in mind to keep biking an enjoyable activity for the family:
Wear a properly fitted helmet. Make sure the helmet fits your child and your child knows how to put it on correctly. The helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position with the helmet straps buckled.
Check your equipment: Before riding, inflate tires and check to see if the brakes are working properly.
Be seen: Whether it is daytime, dawn or dusk, have your child wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors so other pedestrians, bicyclists or drivers can see you. Just because you can see the driver doesn't mean the driver can see you.
Control your bicycle: Keep your hands on the handlebars and ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars.
Prohibit riding double or stunt riding: These actions create the opportunity for accidents waiting to happen.
Go with the flow: Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles.
Obey all traffic laws: A bicycle is a vehicle. Encourage your child to obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings.
Stay alert at all times: Teach your child to use their eyes and ears to watch out for potholes, loose gravel, puddles and traffic.
Use appropriate hand signals: your child should always signal before making a turn or moving in and out of traffic.
Be an example: Children learn best when they are observing you, so whenever you ride, be sure to wear your helmet too!
Head Injuries
Head injuries are the most prevalent injuries related to bike riding. In the event that a head injury or accident does take place, here are some symptoms to look for to determine the type and extent of the injury:
Scalp swelling: Scalp swelling is common. If the skin is not broken, it may develop into a large lump from bleeding or swelling under the skin.
Loss of consciousness: Only about 5 percent of children/adolescents with a mild head injury pass out (lose consciousness) and usually just for a brief period (less than one minute).
Headache: Headache occurs in about 20 percent of children/adolescents after head injury.
Vomiting: Approximately 10 percent of children/adolescents have at least one episode of vomiting after a head injury.
Seizures: Less than one percent of children/adolescents have a seizure immediately after a head injury.
Concussion: Concussions describe a mild form of traumatic brain injury.
If your child experiences any of these symptoms, it is very important for them to see their local pediatrician immediately. Learning to ride a bike can be an unforgettable experience for a child. Whether it is pedaling their way to school or to the park in the neighborhood, parents need to play an active role in protecting their children from the harms of bike riding. Enjoy the outdoors and remember that safety is the best route.
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