Keeping Kids Free From Wheeled Falls

Falling from a moving object is inherently more likely to result in a serious injury. Kids often play on moving objects, including skateboards, inline skates, bicycles, tricycles, and all terrain vehicles. Approximately 10% of all childhood injuries occur while on a bicycle or other wheeled transport. Falls rarely result in death. However, falls are a major cause of fractures and head injury. Falls from a wheeled object may result in permanent neurologic damage. Anytime a child plays on a wheeled toy, they should be wearing a properly fitting helmet.

Some simple safety tips for bicycles and tricycles include watching carefully for obstacles in the road, such as rocks and sewer grates. Avoid unstable surfaces like sand or gravel, and ride more carefully on wet pavement. Remember, wearing a properly fitting helmet can reduce the occurrence of brain injury by 88% (AAP, 2001). Basic safety for inline skating and skateboarding must stress proper protective equipment, such as wrist guards, knee pads, elbow guards and a helmet. Gloves may also be advisable depending on the skating surface. Warn adolescents specifically against "skitching", which is the practice of holding onto a vehicle in order to skate faster. Skitching can be fatal!

All-terrain vehicles are extremely dangerous, and all types of two, three and four wheeled unlicensed motor vehicles (miniature motorcycles and jeeps) have been associated with injury and death. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2000) has asked for legislation to ban these types of vehicles for usage in children under the age of 16 years. Injury typically occurs when children strike bumps, holes, rocks or other vehicles. The off-road vehicles are not regulated by any federal motor safety standards, such as cars, requiring roll bars and three-point restraints. Neither the rider nor the vehicle is licensed. It is important that parents, schools, daycare providers and babysitters eliminate motorized miniature motorcycles and jeeps from play areas.

References:
American Academy of Pediatrics, June 2000, Pediatrics 105(6), pp. 1352-1354.
American Academy of Pediatrics. October, 2001. Pediatrics, 108(4), pp. 1030-1032.