Also in this issue: Here Comes the Sun Dispelling Heart Murmur Myths Drowning Prevention: Ready, Set, Save! Talking With Younger Children About Sex Protect Your Family from Influenza A(H1N1) NEWSLETTER HOME PAGE		Safe Bicycle Riding Prevents Injuries More traffic, distracted drivers mean safety is paramount for parents Kids and bikes haven’t changed much over the years. “But the world has,” says Lori Vinson, Trauma program manager at Children’s Medical Center. “There is so much more traffic on the roads today. People are driving more — and driving faster — with many distractions,” Vinson says. “Parents should consider the bicycle as a vehicle, not a toy. By law, bicyclists must obey the same traffic regulations as motor vehicle drivers.” With that in mind, Vinson says parents should take as much care in teaching children how to drive a bike as they will in teaching them how to drive a car. Injuries and Statistics Since 2005, more than 130 children have been admitted to Children's after being hit by a car while riding their bikes. Four of those children died. Head injuries are the most common cause of death and disability in these cases. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the incidence of head and brain injury by 85 percent. But studies show few parents require their children to wear a bike helmet every time, every ride, with no exceptions. Many parents underestimate the risk and are surprised to learn that most bicycle injuries occur on neighborhood roads. Boys ages 6 to 15 years old are at greatest risk because they ride bikes more often and are more likely to practice risk-taking behaviors. Children often lack the ability to accurately judge the speed of an oncoming car, they don’t have the same peripheral vision as adults, and they often think cars will automatically stop for them. Children may also be more easily distracted. The Dallas Area rules of the road. They can ride straight. They use the brakes properly. They know how to swerve around hazards. They’re on a constant lookout for traffic. Make sure beginning cyclists know these rules: Don’t play in the road. Don’t ride on busy streets. Stop and look before crossing or entering any road. Ride in the same direction as traffic, even if riding on the shoulder or the sidewalk. Stop for all stop signs, and obey all other traffic signs and signals. Don’t just “follow the leader” when riding when others. Make your own safety decisions, such as when to cross a road. Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Two hands are better. Don’t ride at night. Wear bright clothing during the day so you’ll be more easily seen. Wear a helmet whenever you ride. Resources Children's Health Library: Injury Prevention Last reviewed: May 2009		Find a Speciality & Service Support Children's childrens.com Level I Trauma Center Children’s Dallas is the only designated Level I trauma center for pediatrics in the Southwest. Learn more
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