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It's springtime. And as the weather heats up,
it's
time for kids to spend more and more time outside. More time riding
their bikes. What can you do as a parent to keep your child safe from
injury as they go riding?
"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 Dr.
Denise Dowd, chief, section of Injury Prevention 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 were hurt in bike
falls,
crashes and accidents that could have been prevented. Bicycles are
modes of transportation, not toys. Children 5 to 12 years of age are
at the greatest risk for biking 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. Wearing a helmet and following safety
guidelines can be extremely helpful to their child's safety," says
Dowd.
Following are a list of helpful hints to keep your child safe
from injury while riding a bike.
- Always supervise your toddler as he is riding.
- Make sure the helmet fits your toddler properly and is ANSI, SNELL
or ASTM approved.
- Make sure the child is the right size for the bicycle or scooter.
Her feet should reach the ground and pedals easily as she sits on the
seat.
- Be sure the child is riding on a safe, flat area, away from the
street or cars.
- Be consistent. Always insist the child wear a helmet when riding on
wheels. (This includes skateboards and in-line skates as well as
bicycles.)
- Start early. Begin the helmet habit with the child's first set of
wheels.
- Be positive. Praise the child for wearing a helmet.
- Practice what you preach. When you ride on wheels together, wear
your own helmet.
- Start a trend. Encourage other parents to buy helmets.
- Buy a helmet your child likes. Allow the child to pick it out and
decorate the helmet. This makes it fun for the child and encourages
them to wear their helmets regularly.
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