It's important to teach children proper bicycle safety.
For many parents, teaching their child to ride a bicycle is a defining and memorable moment. One of the most important things parents can also teach kids is how to observe proper bicycle safety in order to avoid an accident.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than one-fifth of all bicycle accident deaths involve children ages 5 to 15. The NHTSA provides parents with several useful tips on how to help kids stay safe while bicycling.
Set a Good Example
Head injuries are the primary cause of serious injury or death among children who are involved in a bicycle accident. According to the NHTSA, wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of a serious head injury by as much as 88%. Parents can set a positive safety example by always wearing a bicycle helmet and encouraging children to wear a helmet as well. In the state of California, bicycle helmets are mandatory for all riders under the age of 18. Kids may be less likely to resist wearing their helmet if they see Mom and Dad doing the same.
Establish Boundaries
It's easier to help your child avoid a bicycle accident if you establish clear boundaries concerning where your child is allowed to ride. Take some time to help your child map out your neighborhood, identifying high-traffic areas or other places that you want them to avoid. Teach your children the meaning of different traffic signs and how to observe the rules of the road, including how to safely cross at an intersection and the use of proper hand signals to communicate their intentions to motorists. The NHTSA recommends supervising children under the age of nine at all times but you may wish to use your own judgment in determining whether your child is capable of riding safely on their own.
Perform a Safety Check
Regularly inspect your child's bicycle to make sure it's in good working order and that reflectors are in place and working properly. Make sure your child's clothing and shoelaces don't present a safety hazard and consider providing younger children with elbow and knee pads in addition to their helmet. Check their helmet regularly for cracks or other signs of wear and ensure that helmets fit properly. Do not allow kids to ride while wearing headphones as this can prevent them from hearing oncoming traffic.
While it's impossible to predict when a bicycle accident will occur, following these simple steps can help kids be more aware of their surroundings and their safety. A bicycle accident can potentially cause devastating injuries, including death and it's important that parents are proactive in helping their kids to stay safe. If a bicycle accident occurs as the result of a driver's careless actions, you may be eligible to seek monetary compensation for your injuries. An experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you in protecting your rights.
Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing victims of transportation-related injuries, including bicycle accidents. We have office locations to serve clients in cities throughout California, including San Diego, Bakersfield and Ventura. For more information about filing a bicycle accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658.
