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In Canada the snow has barely melted off of driveways, streets and sidewalks, and children of all ages are headed to the garage or the basement to dig out their wheels. Whether it’s a skateboard, in-line skates, a bike or a scooter, wheeled activities are very popular throughout the summer months. These are all fun ways to get around and enjoy the mild weather, and get some great exercise at the same time. Sometimes though, a mixture of speed, gravity and inexperience can combine to result in a less than carefree summer for everyone concerned. “Kids on wheels” injuries are common, often serious, predictable and preventable. The potential for speed and loss of control make these activities a primary contributor to hospital emergency room visits.
A few facts:
- Cycling is first among the top 5 sports and recreation activities that lead to emergency room visits.
- Cycling is the most common recreation activity where injuries require hospitalization.
- Almost half of the emergency visits among children for scooters, in-line skating, and skateboarding require a medical follow up while 5% to 8% are serious enough to require admission to a hospital.
- Injuries that result in hospital admissions are primarily fractures requiring surgery and serious head injury.
Children under five are too young to ride anything other than a tricycle. Throughout the years from five to adolescence, their interest may range across a number of wheeled activities. It is important to ensure that the activity of choice and the level of supervision is appropriate for the child’s age. Safe Kids Canada offers some excellent guidelines. Visit www.staysafe.jnjcanada.com/en/safety_tips/.
Helmets Help!
Whichever activity your child chooses, a suitable, certified helmet that is fitted and worn properly is an essential piece of safety equipment. Whether helmets are legislated in your province or not, this is without question the simplest way to prevent serious head injury. If cycling, a properly fitted and correctly worn bike helmet will reduce the risk of serious head or brain injury by up to 88%. This means that 7 out of 8 brain injuries could be prevented if every cyclist wore a helmet, even if a car hits the cyclist.
Getting into the Helmet Habit
In Canada, only half of children wear helmets when riding bikes. Here are some tips to help get your kids to wear their helmets whenever they are on wheels:
- Start early. Begin the helmet habit with your child’s very first set of wheels (e.g. tricycle).
- Take your child shopping. Let your child pick out the helmet he or she likes.
- Fit counts. A properly fitted helmet protects your child’s head better, and it’s more comfortable for him or her. Try helmets on in the store.
- Explain. Tell your child how a helmet protects the head and brain.
- Positive re-enforcement. Praise and reward your child for wearing a helmet.
- Be firm. Always insist your child wear a helmet when he or she is out on wheels, even when close to home (where the majority of incidents take place.)
- Be a role model. When you’re out on wheels, wear your own helmet!
It’s instinctive for parents to protect their children. Following the recommended age appropriate guidelines and ensuring that a suitable helmet is worn offers some of the best protection there is against injury to “wheeled wonders” of all ages. It won’t be long until the snow and ice reappear and the wheels are sent back into hibernation. In the meantime, play safe and enjoy the wonderful, warm days ahead. For further information on how to purchase/fit a helmet, visit www.staysafe.jnjcanada.com/en/.
Source, Safe Kids Canada: Last updated April 2002.
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