Every summer, some parents go through the harrowing experience of taking their kids to the emergency room due to a bicycle accident. The causes of these accidents can be as simple as a child failing to wear a helmet. In other cases, they might have been hit by a car or a motorcycle.
Before your kid hops on that bike this summer, the following are safety rules you should implement:
Bicycle Safety Rules
Wear a helmet
Head injuries from bicycle accidents shouldn’t be overlooked since they can lead to serious brain injuries or even death. Find a fitting bicycle helmet for your child that fits perfectly. It’s important to ensure that the chosen helmet also meets the set safety standards.
Be visible
Ensure your child is visible enough when out riding a bike. Bright-coloured clothes or reflective clothing should be prioritized.
Get age-appropriate bike
Pick the right bike size for your child. Your kid is in better control when riding a lightweight bike. An ideal size will lower the risk of falls and poor control injuries.
Regular bike maintenance
Regular bike maintenance is essential. Always inspect your kid’s bicycle by checking the tire pressure, brakes, and chain. If possible, check the seat height from time to time. Sometimes you might be too busy to notice your kids are growing too fast.
Encourage biking away from traffic
Always encourage your child to ride away from car traffic. This is particularly important when training them. Cars turning onto streets or pulling out of driveways could lead to bicycle accidents. It’s best to advise your kids to ride on bike paths.
Hand signals
Don’t forget to teach your child hand signals. Knowing appropriate hand signals will help them make turns while using the road.
Rules of the road
A bicycle is not like any other toy. It’s crucial to teach your child the rules of the road. Teaching them simple basic rules can make a huge difference, for instance, looking around for cars, obeying traffic lights or street signs, and stopping at intersections.
At Shaw Cowart LLP, we’re always at the frontline to provide you with legal assistance if faced with accidents involving your kids riding bicycles. With our Austin personal injury lawyers, you can be sure you’re in good hands. Talk to us today. We promise to deliver!