School starts soon for kids in Texas, many of whom ride their bikes to school.
With a few weeks yet to go before the roads become busier with more cars and buses, auto insurance providers find that this is the best time for parents to talk about bike safety with their kids and encourage safe riding habits.
When your kids practice bike safety on their way to and from school, the chance of being involved in an automobile accident is significantly reduced.
Instill the Importance of Bike Helmets and Appropriate Attire
Bike safety starts with having the right attire, including a properly fitting bike helmet that should be mandatory whenever your rids are riding a bicycle.
Helmets are statistically proven to reduce or prevent head injuries that can happen when kids fall off their bikes or worse yet, are involved in accidents with automobiles.
Beyond the helmet, wearing appropriate clothing should always include:
- Sneakers or other closed shoes with soles that grip the pedals, avoiding choices like flip flops and sandals.
- Brightly colored clothing that can reduce bike vs auto accidents that makes bike-riding kids more noticeable to drivers.
It is likewise important to avoid items that could get caught in the chain or wheels like undone shoelaces, floppy pant legs, long backpack straps, and other similar items.
Choose the Right Bike and Keep It Maintained
When it comes to bike choice, insurance companies stress the importance of correct size for preventing riding accidents because a bike that’s either too large or too small could cause kids to fall off or experience problems controlling the bike.
Adjust the bike so the seat is the right height and make sure the handlebars and pedals are comfortably reached so their ability to get on and off the bike is easy.
Prevent mechanical issues that can lead to accidents by keeping up with simple maintenance like keeping the tires properly inflated, oiling and cleaning the chain frequently, and testing the brakes regularly just as you would for a car.
Teach Kids About The Rules of the Road
The vital factor to promote bike safety with children is teaching them the rules of the road so they can safely co-exist with other people and vehicles out with them.
Children must learn to pay attention to their surroundings, stay aware of potential accident threats, and be knowledgeable of how cars and other traffic operate.
Insurance providers stress the need for kids to understand road signage and traffic signals, the need to cross only at intersections after looking both ways, and rider hand signals so they can communicate with drivers at intersections and corners.
They should also be aware of bike paths, sidewalks, and other areas designed for safe riding and the importance of staying off the street where a car accident is a greater risk.
Help Kids Get To And From School Safely with Bike Safety Guidance
If your children ride their bikes to school, it’s time to give them a refresher in bike safety so they are less likely to end up in an accident with a car.
Starting with the right bike and helmet and following a few simple auto insurance safety suggestions, you can help your kids learn riding habits that could save their lives when riding to or from school.
Make bike maintenance and riding safety one of your regular school season preparations to keep everyone safe every day!
