Hundreds of bicyclists die from head injuries each year, most of them could be prevented by wearing a helmet. With summer here, many children will be out riding their bikes. Sadly, 300,000 kids end up in the ER from bike accidents each year. Now is a good time to remind them about the basic rules of the road, wearing helmets, and watching out for traffic. Think “kid safety” first. We’re asking you to help save a child’s life and prevent injuries by making sure they wear a bicycle helmet that fits correctly.
To find out how to make sure a helmet fits correctly click here.
Safety Statistics
Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way to prevent a head injury or traumatic brain injury in a bicycle crash.
Unintentional injuries kill more than 830,000 children annually worldwide, and permanently disable even more.
As of 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that head injuries account for 70% of cycling fatalities.
Bicycle riders under 16-years-old accounted for 15% of all bicyclists killed and 29% of those injured in traffic crashes in 2007.
SAFETY TIPS FOR BICYCLISTS:
Bicycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road. As a bicyclist riding in traffic or on the sidewalk, you should take extra precautions to protect yourself. The tips below can help keep you riding safely.
WEAR YOUR HELMET Before you get on your bike, put on a helmet. It is the best thing you can do to be safe. Bikes offer no protection in case of a crash, so you need to wear your protection.
BIKERS BEWARE Always be aware of the traffic around you. Never assume that all drivers see your hand signals or will yield for you. Assume you are invisible to other road users and ride defensively.
CHECK YOUR BRAKES Always check your brakes so that you are prepared to stop. Never assume that a vehicle will be able to stop quickly if you get in the way. You may have to get out of the way to save your life.
RIDE WITH TRAFFIC Avoiding a crash is the safest way to ride. Ride on the right side, with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic may cause you to miss traffic control devices, such as traffic signs and stop lights. For a bike rider, the safest bet is to always be aware of the traffic around you.
BEWARE OF THE NO-ZONE Beware of riding too closely to a large truck. Large trucks have blind spots in the front, back and on the sides, which make it difficult for the driver to see around them. If you ride in these blind spots, truck drivers cannot see you and your chance for a crash are greatly increased.
