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Summer means children are spending more time outside being active — and that’s a good thing. But when riding their bike (or skateboarding and rollerblading)‚ whether down the street or in the driveway‚ it’s important that they’re safe.
“If there’s one thing a parent can do to keep their child safe on a bike, it is require that a helmet be worn at all times‚” says Denise Dowd‚ MD‚ Emergency Medicine at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. “Helmets reduce the risk of death and severe head injury by 85 percent.”
Still‚ every year thousands of children are hurt in bike falls‚ crashes and accidents that could have been prevented. Children 5 to 12 years of age are at the greatest risk for accidents‚ which can result in cuts‚ scrapes‚ bruises‚ broken bones‚ and even serious head injury.
“It is important for parents to encourage their child to start the habit of wearing a helmet‚” says Dr. Dowd. “Wearing a helmet and following safety guidelines can be extremely helpful to their child’s safety.”
Here are a variety of resources to help your children have fun and enjoy the outdoors: |
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Getting in the Helmet Habit
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Traffic Safety Administration
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Federal Highway Administration
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Play Safe in Warm Weather
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Preventing Playground Injuries
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