According to a study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, more than 2.2 million children between the ages of five and 17 went to U.S. emergency rooms due to injuries sustained in bicycle accidents over ten years from 2006 to 2015. Although bike-related injuries among this age group fell almost 30% during the study period, an average of 600 children per day still suffered injuries that required medical attention. Boys made up 72% of the injured children in this study, and children between the ages of ten and 14 made up 44% of the injured children.

Bicycling is one of the leading causes of non-fatal injuries to children. The most common injuries were scrapes, cuts, bruises, and broken arms and legs for children involved in bicycle accidents. However, fatal bicycle accidents involving children more often involved head and neck injuries.

The study found that wearing helmets were effective in protecting children from various injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, and other injuries requiring hospitalization. The involvement of motor vehicles in bicycle accidents, however, tended to increase the severity of the injuries to the children and increased the incidence of traumatic brain injuries and hospitalizations.

Other safety recommendations also may lower the risk of bicycle accidents for children. Children who are under age ten should be riding their bicycles only on sidewalks or bicycle paths, rather than in the street. Children of this age group may not have the mental capacity to make quick or correct decisions in traffic with motor vehicles around them.

Even for older children, bicyclists should walk their bicycles across busy streets and intersections, which is often safer than riding across them. Children also should limit their bicycling to daytime hours in good weather. Darkness and rainfall both can contribute to bicycle accidents for children.

Bonnici Law Group has the experience, knowledge, and reputation that you want and need when you are injured in a bike accident. We are here to help you build the most substantial claim possible for compensation and obtain a positive outcome in your case. Do not hesitate to contact Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com.