If your children ride their bikes to school, it is time to remind them of some bicycle safety tips before they start another year. Riding a bike is great exercise and the first real freedom many children experience.
Make sure that they understand the responsibilities that come with this freedom so that they remain safe in their trips to and from school. It is also time for bus drivers and other motorists to remember more children will be on bicycles and to be on the look out.
Bicycle Safety Tips For Kids (And Parents)
Always wear a helmet. Over half a million bike accidents happen every year and 59% of all bicycle accidents happen to children 15 years or younger. Only 15% of children use their helmets regularly. Start good riding habits by making sure your child wears a helmet every time they ride.
Know the rules of the road. Children should never be allowed to ride to school without first knowing and understanding the rules of the road. This means riding with them and making sure they are know the rules before they are allowed to go out by themselves.
Ride with traffic. If children are riding on the road, they need to make sure they are riding with traffic. A third of all bicycle accidents occur when riders ride against traffic. If they are not comfortable enough to do this, then they should not be riding on the road.
Watching For Children On Bicycles
With school starting, all motorists, especially bus drivers need to be on the look out for children riding bicycles. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our children safe when they are out in the world.
Double check crosswalks. Before turning, make sure there are no children riding bicycles approaching the crosswalk in either direction. They may not be able to stop in time or see that you are turning.
Look closely at bus stops. Many children may ride their bikes to the bus stop to talk with their friends. Be careful pulling in to and leaving bus stops as there may be children riding bikes who are looking at their friends instead of the bus or car headed their way.
School zones. Anywhere near a school or school zone is likely to have children riding on bicycles. Keep a wary eye for these novice bike riders that may fall or cross without notice.
With effort from parents, bus drivers and motorists, children can ride safely to and from school and have a great source of exercise and fun for years to come.
Bicycle Accident Attorneys for Kids
All bicycle accident cases involving children are unique both due the how an injury will effect a child, but also because of the how the bicycle safety laws may apply to the situation. Unlike bicycle injury cases involving adults, cases involving children can be convoluted due to the laws of comparative fault and if riding regulations are intended to apply to children.
Chicago Injury Center has experience with bicycle accident cases involving children. Should the situation arise, our attorneys can evaluate your situation and advise you of your legal rights without any obligation on your part. Contact us today.