Bike injuries

Pediatric News, June, 2002 by Miriam E. Tucker

BIKE INJURIES Kids aged 10-14 years suffer more traumatic brain injuries from bicycle accidents than do younger children, according to the National Safe Kids Campaign. Serious bike injuries were associated with traumatic brain injury in nearly 51% of 10- to l4-year-olds, compared with 44% of children aged 5-9 years and 38% aged 4 years and under.

That's because "tweens" are less likely to wear helmets and more likely to take chances, according to a campaign statement. When surveyed, less than half of 10- to 14-year olds said they don't always wear helmets while riding a bike, while fewer than a third wore them while riding scooters, skateboards, or inline skates. Their reasons included "I only ride near home" (47%) and "helmets are uncomfortable" (43%). But, 53% said they would wear one if their parents made them, and 49% would if it were a state law