Two boys remain in serious condition after a Fort Pierce bicycle accident, reports the West Palm Beach News.
The bicycle accident resulted in two young boys being flown by helicopter to two different trauma centers. Witnesses report both boys were riding on the same bicycle when they were struck by a car at 3102 Q Street around 8:30 p.m. The crash remains under investigation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 630 bicyclists were killed on U.S. roadways in 2009, down from 718 in 2008. Data showed 74 of the victims were 14 or younger, a decline of 58 percent from the 178 killed in 2000. Cyclist deaths accounted for 2 percent of all 2009 traffic fatalities. Additionally, 51,000 cyclists were injured in traffic-related accidents in 2009 — a drastic increase from 43,000 in 2007.
How should small children dress while riding?
-Fluorescent or bright-colored clothes will make kids more visible than wearing dark clothing.
-Wearing lightweight clothes will help them from getting overheated.
-Never wear pants with loose-fitting or flared legs that could get caught in the chain while riding.
-If your child carries a backpack while riding, ensure the straps are tied so they can’t get tangled in the spokes of the wheels.
-Never ride a bike in bare feet. Wear appropriate footwear that will grip the bike’s pedals.
Safety tips all children should know before riding a bicycle:
-Wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet.
-Obey all traffic lights and stop at all stop signs. Be extra careful at intersections.
-Ride in the same direction as the traffic — never ride against traffic.
-Kids younger than 10 should ride on the sidewalks; older kids should use bike lanes or designated bike routes.
-Never ride in the dark.
-When leaving an alley, driveway or a curb, always stop and look for traffic in both directions.
-Pay close attention to turning cars or cars leaving driveways.
-Don’t ride close to parked cars as their doors can open unexpectedly.
-Follow traffic signals and use a crosswalk to walk a bike across a busy intersections.
-Ride single-file when riding in a group.
-Pass other cyclists or people on the road on their left.
-Only one person should be on a bike at a time.
-Don’t use electronic devices while riding.
-Stay seated while riding.
-Always look before changing directions or lanes, and always use hand signals.
Keep your child’s bike in good shape:
-Inflate tires to the correct pressure that’s indicated on the sidewall of the tire.
-Make sure the chain is well-oiled and clean of road grit.
-Ensure that the handlebars are tight and adjusted properly for your child.
-Make sure brake pads are not worn out and look for frayed cables.
-Adjust the seat height so your child’s feet can touch the ground.
The West Palm Beach bicycle accident attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC have been successfully and aggressively representing accident victims and their families in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Pierce /Port St. Lucie for years. Call us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case at 1-800-561-7777.
Additional Resources:
Two Fort Pierce Boys On Bike Struck By Car , West Palm Beach News.
Fatal Bicycle Accidents in Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, a Reminder of the Dangers, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, January 10, 2011
Seniors at High Risk of Bicycle Accidents in Port St. Lucie as Winter Season Begins, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, November 8, 2010