Sunny days bring out the bike riders. For many kids, a bike ride to a friend’s house or a swimming pool is pure freedom. But every ride brings the risk of injury. Research shows that hundreds of thousands of children are injured while riding a bike every year.

Last year, a study found that more than 2 million kids between ages 5 and 17 were treated in emergency rooms for biking-related injuries from 2006 to 2015. That’s 600 injuries per day — or 25 per hour.

About 50% of the injuries involved children between 10 and 14. Roughly 75% of those injured were boys. Injuries range in seriousness. Traumatic brain injuries accounted for 11% of overall injuries.

Most common injuries kids suffer after bike accidents

  • Traumatic head injuries
  • Fractures
  • Broken bones
  • Sprains
  • Soft tissue injuries, including cuts, scapes, and bruises

How to avoid a bike accident

The single most important factor in preventing serious injury is wearing a helmet. Some studies have found that helmets reduce the risk of severe head injuries by approximately 70%. Despite the countless studies that have affirmed the critical importance of wearing a helmet, many states in the US still lack helmet laws. And there are plenty of people who ignore the helmet laws already in place. Kids are likelier to put on a helmet if they see their parents wearing one, so set a good example.

Try the following bike safety tips too.

  • Slow down when you see an intersection. Be mindful that even if a driver does not have the right of way, he or she might not stop.
  • Ride with traffic in the same direction. If you are on the wrong side, it will be harder for drivers to spot you.
  • Always use your signal to avoid getting rear-ended.

Talk to a Memphis bike accident lawyer today.

If you or your child has been injured while riding your bike, you could be entitled to compensation. Our award-winning personal injury lawyers can help you identify your best options moving forward in a free consultation with a Memphis bike accident lawyer.

Call us at (901) 327-1212 or contact us here.