|
|
|
|
March Safety Newsletter (Sign up here to get upcoming newsletters - FREE!)
Spring Bike Safety Reminder for Parents
March usually means warmer weather and slightly longer days. Most of us can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the first days of spring. One of the first things we used to do as kids was jump on our bikes and that is true of kids today as well.
More than 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 will ride bikes this year and while its still early in the season, we wanted to give you some reminders that will help keep them safe on the road, in the park or even just on the driveway.
Bike injuries are common (many of us still have the scars to prove it!) but the majority aren’t reported because – thankfully – they aren’t life threatening. Still, according to reports, over half a million people a year show up in the emergency room with injuries from a bike accident. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute says about 67,000 of those have head injuries with 27,000 serious enough to require hospitalization.
The truth is, most of the injuries that occur while riding each year are associated with the cyclist’s behavior so this list of injury prevention tips from the National Safe Kids Campaign might be helpful before the season gets into full swing:
- A bicycle helmet is a necessity, not an accessory. Always wear a bicycle helmet every time and everywhere you ride.
- Wear a bicycle helmet correctly. It should fit comfortably and snugly, but not too tightly. It should sit on top of your head in a level position and should not rock forward and back or from side to side. The helm straps must always be buckled.
- Buy a bicycle helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Snell Memorial Foundation and/or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws. Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against; use appropriate hand signals; respect traffic signals; stop at all stop signs and stop lights; and stop and look both ways before entering a street.
- Cycling should be restricted to sidewalks and paths until a child is age 10 and able to show how well he or she rides and observes the basic rules of the road. Parental and adult supervision is essential until the traffic skills and judgment thresholds are reached by each child.
Other safety lists we checked emphasized bike maintenance as well. It is important that the bike be checked regularly for loose nuts and bolts, worn brake pads and proper brake operation. Make sure the tires are in good shape and the chain covered to avoid catching a child’s clothing.
For more information, the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) web site features a really nice guide called “Safety City Bike Tour” that you can review with your kids to help them focus on safe riding.
Helmets are at the top of every bike safety list we’ve come across and for good reason. Based on statistics, helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% !!
These numbers have led many states to enact laws mandating helmets for kids but it can be challenging to ensure the helmet fits properly in order to get the maximum safety benefit. Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center in Seattle developed this simple "Bike Helmets: Quick Fit Check” pdf pamphlet that can help.
Another guide we like is “Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet” from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Stay tuned for Part II – Bike Safety for Adult Riders, in the coming months.
(Sign up here to get upcoming newsletters - FREE!)
|
|
|
