Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage for a child but it can be terrifying for a parent. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we have seen the effects of many bike accidents and we hope that parents are doing their part to ensure their children are as safe as possible. Keep reading to get the stats on bike accidents and to learn how you can best protect your child when they ride their bike.
Talk to Your Kids About Bicycle Safety
One of the simplest things you can do to keep your kids safe on the road is to talk to them about bicycle safety. This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but you would be surprised to learn that many parents just assume that their children know the rules. Do not assume this. Make the rules clear to them, tell them what safety gear they must wear, and go over what to do in an emergency.
Be the Example You Want Your Kids to See
In addition to telling your kids how to prevent accidents when riding their bikes, make sure that you are following your own advice. They may listen to what you have to say and take it to heart, but they will certainly notice what you do. If you tell them that they must wear a helmet at all times to be safe, but you do not wear your helmet, then they are likely to get the understanding that a helmet is optional after all.
Bike Accident Statistics That May Shock You
Many people are shocked to discover that bike accidents make up more than 2% of all fatal traffic deaths each year. 71% of people who died in bike accidents in 2016 were in urban areas. While no one is safe at any age, the average age of fatal bike accidents is going up: From 2007 to 2016 it went from 40 years old to 46 years old.
Consider that in 2016 alone, there were 840 people killed in bike accidents throughout the United States. While men are 5.6 times as likely to die in a bike accident than women, this does not mean that anyone is safe.
Tell Your Child What to Do if They Are in a Bike Accident
Yes, you want to take every step possible to prevent your child from being involved in a bike accident. That said, if they are in that unfortunate position, you should be sure they know what to do. Tell them to get medical care first and foremost – everything else can be handled later. If they are not seriously injured, they should get the name, phone number, and insurance information from the person who hit them. When they give you this information, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for your free legal consultation.
