Posted on November 10, 2007 by Regan Zambri & Long

Children's Bicycle-Related Injuries: More Significant than Previously Estimated

According to a recent study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the number of bicycle-related injuries demonstrates a more significant public health concern than just as a leading cause for children's emergency room visits.  Of the estimated 85 million bicycle riders in the United States, over half are children and adolescents under the age of 20.  Bicycle-related injuries are known to send more children to the emergency room than any other recreational sport.  In addition, an estimated 10,700 children require hospitalization from their bicycle injuries for an average of three days, resulting in nearly $200 million in hospital inpatient charges annually.  Results of the study are published in the October  issue of Injury Prevention.

One of the study authors is Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, director of the Center for for Injury Research and Policy and faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.  According to Dr. Smith, “Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile. The high rate of hospitalization and use of healthcare resources identified in our study supports the need for increased attention to bicycle-related injuries.”

By utilizing a nationally representative sample, this was the  first study to analyze patient and and injury characteristics related to  bicycling  injuries.   Significant findings of the study include:

  • approximately 30% of bicycle-related hospitalizations involved motor vehicles
  • involvement with motor vehicles increased among older children
  • one-third of the hospitalized children were diagnosed with traumatic brain injury
According to Dr. Smith, "The findings from our study can be used to promote targeted prevention strategies to lessen the severity of injury and the number of deaths resulting from pediatric bicycle-related injuries. We know that bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of brain injury by up to 85%. We need to increase efforts to promote helmet use by children riding bicycles."

In earlier postings to the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have emphasized bicycle safety and encouraged helmet use:

If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving a personal injury, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.

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