Common Sense Bicycle Safety Tips

The summer months in Tampa Bay bring us days of fun at the beach, beautiful sunsets and seemingly endless amounts of sunshine and daylight hours. Unfortunately, the statistics show that during the summer our children face greater risks of bike related injuries.

So here’s some prudent advice for parents to keep in mind to help avoid unforeseen and all too often serious accidents that typically leave children seriously hurt:

ALWAYS have your kids wear bright clothing. Even during the daylight hours, many drivers just don’t see pedestrians or bicyclists until it’s too late to avoid the accident.

ALWAYS have your kids use a properly fitted bicycle helmet. Head injuries are usually the most serious type of trauma for riders when it comes to bike vs. car accidents. Florida law requires kids under 16 years of age to wear a helmet that is properly fitted and strapped on while riding. Parents are subject to a citation for letting their kids ride without a helmet. The civil infraction can be issued even if the child hasn’t been in an accident or hurt while riding. Studies have shown that helmets reduce the chance of serious brain injury by as much as 85%.

NEVER let your children ride at night or after dusk. Yes, the law allows kids to ride during nighttime hours with proper lighting and reflection devices, but why take the chance. It’s just too dangerous and the consequences of motorists not seeing your child before it’s too late can and usually are devastating.

ALWAYS know the streets and sidewalks your child will be using. Drivers tend to be more aware of kids on bikes in residential areas. But such areas are also prone to certain unforeseen hazards such as visual obstructions like bushes and sharp corners. Obstructions reduce the time for riders and drivers to take evasive action. Warn your child to slow down near these conditions or just avoid going near them altogether.

If an accident occurs, call 911 immediately and have local law enforcement come to the scene to conduct an investigation and prepare a Long Form Accident Report.   Critical information and eyewitness testimony can be lost unless a proper investigation is completed at the scene.

It’s easy to find local nonprofit organizations that offer free Child Bicycle Safely classes. Sign your child up at an early age and take them back for a refresher classes every couple of years. Continue to stress the importance of having your child wear a bike helmet. If your child is in need of an ANSI certified bicycle safety helmet, contact Attorney Greg Perenich at PERENICH The Law Firm for assistance.