10 Bicycle Safety Tips for Children
For children who live close to school, riding a bicycle is a practical way to commute. It is quicker than walking, healthier than taking the bus, and a convenient alternative for parents who go to work too early to drive their kids to school.
Despite these benefits, riding a bike comes with inherent dangers. KidsHealth estimates that 300,000 children visit emergency departments with bike-related injuries every year, and at least 10,000 of them require a few days in the hospital.
Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to help their kids avoid bicycle accidents and injuries. Perhaps the most effective strategy is to make sure your child wears a helmet. According to Medical Daily, 57 percent of bicycle-related fatalities can be prevented by using a protective helmet.
Unfortunately, even responsible kids can fall victim to distracted, drunk or negligent drivers. If your child was injured in a bicycle crash in Nebraska, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. An accident lawyer in Omaha will evaluate your case and provide legal guidance in a free initial consultation.
Call 1-800-471-4100 to discuss your claim. You can also visit http://car-accident.usattorneys.com/ to learn more about personal-injury lawsuits.
10 Bicycle Safety Tips Every Child Should Know0
The average passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds, so even with the proper safety gear, a bicyclist is likely to suffer injuries if a collision happens. A bicycle crash can injure any part of the body, and some victims never make a full recovery.
As such, it is critical that parents make a concerted effort to help their kids avoid bicycle accidents and injuries. These 10 steps are particularly effective:
- Make sure your child’s helmet does not have any cracks;
- Make sure the helmet is certified by the Department of Transportation or the Snell Memorial Foundation;
- Regularly inspect the bike’s brakes and tires, and teach your child to do the same before he or she hits the road;
- Install lights and reflectors on the front, sides and back of the bicycle;
- Plot your child’s route to school. Make sure he or she avoids congested roads and uses bicycle paths;
- Ride your child’s route to school with him or her to spot any potentially dangerous intersections or hazards;
- If other kids ride to school, try to form a riding group so your child is more visible to drivers;
- Teach your child to be cautious near parked cars because their doors could open at any time;
- Teach your child proper hand signals to help drivers anticipate his or her actions; and
- Teach your child how to respond if an accident happens.
If your child was hurt by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation to pay for medical bills and other damages related to the crash. An Omaha injury attorney from Rensch & Rensch Law will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a personal-injury claim.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials, and we have the knowledge and resources to help you recover the maximum compensation. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
