Straddle Injuries in Children on Bicycles
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer. For many children, learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage. They start with training wheels or a tricycle before they graduate to the standard, two-wheeled bike. They develop balance skills and muscle memory which help then stay upright. However, everyone needs to wear a helmet while riding a bike due to the potential for injury. According to statistics published from various studies by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on pedestrian and bicycle injuries:
- Close to 30 percent of bicycle accident injuries occurred when they were struck by a motor vehicle.
- About 20 percent of injuries occurred when they simply fell from the bike.
- Close to 10 percent were hurt when they collided with another cyclist.
- Over 10 percent of accidents were ultimately triggered by damage in the road itself.
- A few accidents happened because an animal, such as a dog, ran out in front of them.
While traumatic brain injuries from bicycle and motorcycle accidents have received a significant amount of attention, there are other injuries which can occur as well. One injury that is often overlooked is called a straddle injury. When this injury happens in children, it can be severe.
A Research Study: Straddle Injuries in Children Riding Bicycles
A recent study was published discussing straddle injuries that can occur in children while they are riding a bicycle or motorcycle. A straddle injury is trauma that occurs in the child’s pelvic region while they are straddling an object. When these injuries happen, they can damage the genital area. The researchers reviewed all the cases involving straddle injuries in children at their local hospital. The vast majority of these injuries occurred while the children were riding bicycles or motorcycles. Based on their findings, about half of the injuries were due to blunt trauma while the other half involved penetrating trauma. Most of the children needed to be admitted to the hospital and about a quarter of the children required surgery. The primary concern with straddle injuries in children is that they are still developing, anatomically. If injuries happen in this area, it could stunt their growth and development. If they do not develop properly, this can have significant impacts on their quality of life in the future.
Watch YouTube Video: Bike Safety Tips from First 5 LA. This informative video provides bike safety tips for families with kids ages 0-5 years of age.
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- Fractures in Children
- Recovery of Children After High-Energy Femur Fractures
- Car Accidents Involving Children in the Road
Personal Injury Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Bicycle Accident Lawyer. If your child has been hurt while riding a bicycle, please call me today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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