Top Four Things to Send Children to the ER: Bicycles, Scooters, Skates and Skateboards
Millions of children ride bicycles, skates, scooters or skateboards as transportation, a sport or just for fun. While these activities can result in outdoor fun and exercise for children, they can also pose risk for injury that primarily results from lack of protective gear, falls and collisions with motor vehicles. According to Stanford Children’s Health, at least 70% of children between the ages of 5 and 14 ride bicycles with most accidents occurring on minor roads, usually within one mile of the child’s home.
What are the most frequent injuries?
The most frequently treated injuries from these accidents are fractures of the hands, wrists, elbows, arms and shoulders, with the most serious being head injuries and concussions. Many children fail to wear protective gear such as elbow and knee pads, proper shoes, helmets and wrist guards, causing “wheeled-sports” accidents to be more common.
Hospital visits
In 2014, there were 439,960 emergency room visits resulting from a bicycle, skateboard, roller skates or scooter. Within that same year, the more serious injuries led to nearly 24,000 hospital admissions. According to Deseret News In Salt Lake City, an astounding 50 children per hour will visit emergency rooms for injuries related to bicycles, scooters, skates and skateboards. The rate of bicycle injuries far surpasses the others. In 2014, nearly 250,000 children required emergency room care, more than 26,000 suffered from a traumatic brain injury and 98 children died as a result of a bicycle accident.
Getting the help you need:
“Wheeled-sports” are a fun and effective way to keep children active. While children will continue to ride bicycles, skateboard or skate, there will always be the potential for an accident. If an accident occurs, the ability to get assistance with medical costs your insurance may not cover can be limited. Visit our 24/7 chat feature at hupy.com or call 800-800-5678 for the information you deserve.