A rise in bike riding injuries and the medical costs associated with these accidents have been reported by various organizations in the past few years. Many studies attribute this statistic to the growing number of cyclists and the higher average age of riders. A new report indicates that this trend affects young riders as well and that more aggressive measures are necessary to prevent injuries to children.
The journal Accident Analysis & Prevention reports that more than 2 million children ages 5 to 17 were taken to hospital emergency departments to be treated for bicycle related injuries between 2006 and 2015. This figure translates to 600 cases daily of injuries in children from bike riding accidents. Ten to 14-year-olds comprised almost half of the reported injuries and three quarters of the injured children were male.
Of the injuries that occurred, the most frequent type of injury involved the upper extremities. Other injuries such as cuts, bruises, and factures were commonly observed. More serious injuries have also been reported including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs comprised 11 percent of total injuries reported by the study.
The author of the study, conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, stated that the findings were not surprising. The 10 to 14-year-old age group was the least likely to wear helmets on a regular basis. Thus, this group accounted for the highest number of injuries. The author cited the need to improve safety measures for this age group, including promoting helmet use on a consistent basis.
Encouraging helmet use can be a challenge in light of the absence of laws mandating helmet use for riders in more than half of the states. The lack of consistent regulation across the United States is concerning since helmet use while bike riding is well known to be the best means of protecting against serious or fatal injuries. Research shows that other factors may encourage helmet use among children. For example, children whose parents regularly wear helmets while riding are more likely to wear helmets themselves.
If you or a member of your family suffered injury or death as a result of negligence or a defective automobile, contact the attorneys Alexander Law Group, LLP. Our exceptional personal injury lawyers will answer your questions and get you the maximum compensation that is possible. Call 888.777.1776 or contact us online.
