Bicycle Safety Tips for Children

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, more and more children are out on the street riding their bicycles. Riding a bike is a great way to obtain exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time with friends and family. However, things can take a dangerous turn if you do not take the appropriate steps to ensure your child’s safety. The last things any parent wants is for their child to be seriously hurt.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2015, 12 percent of bicycle injuries and five percent of bicycle fatalities happened to children under the age of 14. That same year, 47 children between the ages of 15 and 19 suffered fatalities in bicycle accidents.

Many of these accidents could have been prevented if more proactive steps had been taken to ensure the child’s safety while riding a bike. In addition to demonstrating safe habits when riding a bicycle with your child, always keep the following safety tips in mind in order to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of serious injuries or fatalities:

• Always wear a bicycle helmet: Children should never ride a bicycle without wearing a helmet. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of severe head injuries in the event of an accident.
• Be sure to properly adjust the bicycle: When buying a bicycle, make sure it is the correct size for your child’s height. The seat should be adjusted so that your child’s feet reach the ground, and the seat should be level from front to back.o the bicycle if they are not already there. Avoid riding a bike at dusk or dawn because other motorists may have trouble seeing your child as visibility is the lowest during these hours.
• Inspect the bicycle: Before letting your child go for a ride, make sure that the handlebars, brakes, tires, and all other parts are in good working order.
• Distractions: Teach your child to be aware of his or her surroundings at all times when riding a bike. They should never wear headphones or use other electronics as it can distract them from paying attention to the road.
• Wear proper clothing: Children should avoid wearing loose clothing or anything that could get caught in the wheels or spokes.

Baltimore Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Bicycle Accidents

If your child has been seriously injured in a car accident while riding their bicycle, it is in your best interest to contact the highly reputable Baltimore accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We understand how devastating it is when your child’s health and safety has been compromised and we will do everything in our power to ensure that you receive the maximum financial compensation that you deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until justice has been served. To set up a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent bicycle accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.