Children’s Bicycle Accidents in Maryland: How Parents And Drivers Can Help Prevent Tragedy This Summer

With school out and temperatures rising, children across Maryland take to the streets, sidewalks, and trails on their bicycles. Biking offers fun and independence, but it also comes with significant risks.

Every summer, hospitals see increases in children struck by cars while riding their bikes. Sadly, these crashes can cause disabling or even life-threatening personal injuries. Our Maryland bicycle accident attorneys explain how parents and drivers can help prevent them.

Tips for Parents: How to Reduce Maryland Children’s Bike Accident Risks

While riding a bike is an affordable way to travel and provides health and environmental benefits, cyclists need to know the risks. According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, nearly 1,000 bike accidents happen throughout the state each year. Children are among the most common victims.

Parents play a crucial role in preventing bicycle accidents by teaching their children safe habits and ensuring they are properly equipped before heading out. Summer is an ideal time to reinforce these lessons. To keep your child safe on their bike:

• Insist they wear a helmet, properly fitted and strapped under the chin.
• Choose age-appropriate bikes with functioning brakes and reflectors.
• Check the bike regularly for loose parts, worn tires, or failing brakes.
• Teach children the rules of the road, including riding with traffic and obeying signs.
• Supervise younger children and encourage them to ride only in designated areas or quiet neighborhoods.
• Avoid dusk or nighttime riding, when visibility drops dramatically.
• Dress children in bright clothing or provide reflective gear for added visibility.

Children should also be taught to make eye contact with drivers at intersections, to walk their bikes across busy streets, and to stay alert, meaning no headphones or other distractions. Most importantly, lead by example. Children who see adults riding responsibly are more likely to follow suit.

Tips for Drivers: Preventing Maryland Bicycle Accidents Involving Children

Children can be unpredictable, and their smaller size makes them harder to see, especially near parked cars, intersections, or in residential areas. That’s why Maryland drivers must take extra care during the summer months when children are more active outside. To reduce bike accident risks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages drivers to follow these tips:

• Reduce your speed in neighborhoods, school zones, parks, or anywhere children tend to gather.
• Be alert for movement on sidewalks, driveways, and intersections.
• Yield to bicyclists and give them at least 3 feet of space when passing (as required by Maryland law).
• Avoid distractions, especially phone use behind the wheel.
• Check mirrors carefully when backing out of driveways or parking spots.
• Be cautious around bike trails or crosswalks, where children may enter the road unexpectedly.

If Your Child Suffers Injuries, Contact Our Maryland Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicycle accidents in Maryland involving children can cause devastating personal injuries. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our experienced Maryland bike accident attorneys help families hold at fault drivers accountable. We investigate, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation your child deserves. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation.

Sources:

mva.maryland.gov/Documents/FY19_Bicycle_ProgramAreaBriefFINAL.pdf

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety