Summer Safety and Riding
Kids love to ride their bikes in the summer. For children, riding their own set of wheels represents freedom and mobility. But, parents should pay close attention to their kids when they are having fun on their bikes this summer as statistics show each year that many children get hurt from riding their bikes. In fact, statistics show that 800 children will be hospitalized for cycling injuries this summer and 9 will die. Let Truestar show you how your kids can ride safely this summer.
Startling Statistics:
• Half of all cycling injuries and deaths happen in summer.
• Head injuries are the cause of about 80% of cycling deaths among children and 28% per cent of hospital admissions for cycling injuries.
• Cycling deaths nearly always involve collision with a motor vehicle.
Bike Injuries
The most serious cycling accidents and deaths are caused by head injuries. Wearing a bike helmet reduces the risk of head injury by up to 85%. Kids also get hurt on their bikes because they don’t have the mental and physical skills needed to ride safely near traffic. Riding a bike near cars requires paying attention to many obstacles such as cars, stop signs and light signals. A young child’s brain cannot keep all that information straight until at least 10 years of age. From about age 10 to14, children start developing these skills.
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Injuries also occur because children don’t fully understand road safety. They will ride off sidewalks and into streets without checking for cars. Statistics show that kids who are seriously injured or killed on the streets are hit by cars.
Ride Safety Tips
Here are some ride safety tips from Safe Kids Canada:
Wear a Helmet. Wearing a bike helmet must be done for every ride. Make sure it fits. The helmet should be level on your child’s head, the chin strap should be snug (able to only put one finger between strap and chin) and the helmet should not move around when your child shakes his or her head.
Stay off the road. Children under 10 should be kept off the road while riding. If riding on the road, always look for streets where the speed limit is lower and where traffic is less busy.
Teach your kids the rules of the road. Kids should know bike safety. Ride with your children when they are young and teach them the rules of the road. When your children get older, make sure they have good training and lots of practice before they ride on the streets alone. Teach them proper signalling and how to avoid risk such as cars.
Truestar wants your child to stay healthy and safe this summer season. For previous summer safety articles, see Summer Safety and Swimming and Playing Safely This Summer. Get your kids on the Truestar plan today of healthy meals, easy exercises, nutritious supplements, sleep and attitude plans.
Be well, stay healthy and ride safely this summer!
