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ATV Safety Tips for Kids

ATV Safety Tips for Kids

Jun 13, 2023 | atv safety, Healthcare, Road Safety, Safety, Safety Tips, Summer Safety

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) can provide exhilarating outdoor experiences for both adults and children. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety when children are involved. With their powerful engines and potential for high speeds, ATVs can pose significant risks if not operated responsibly. There are guidelines you can follow to help to ensure the safety of your children while enjoying their ATV adventures.

Appropriate Age and Size Restrictions for ATV safety:

The first step in ATV safety for children is ensuring they are of an appropriate age and size to operate or ride as a passenger. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer regarding age limits and weight capacities for specific models. It is essential to adhere to these guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries.

ATV Protective Gear:

Always equip children with proper safety gear before allowing them to ride an ATV. This includes:

a) Helmet: A well-fitting helmet is crucial for protecting the head in case of a fall or collision. Choose helmets specifically designed for off-road use and ensure they meet safety standards.

b) Eye Protection: Goggles or a face shield will shield the eyes from dust, debris, and insects, enhancing visibility and preventing injuries.

c) Appropriate Clothing: Encourage children to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy boots, and gloves to protect their limbs and enhance grip while riding.

ATV Training and Supervision:

Children should receive comprehensive training on ATV operation and safety before riding independently. Consider enrolling them in an ATV safety course or training program. These courses educate riders about proper handling, turning, braking techniques, and how to navigate various terrains safely. Always supervise children while they ride and maintain constant visual contact to ensure they follow all safety guidelines and rules. Younger children should never ride without adult supervision.

Size-Appropriate ATVs:

Ensure that the ATV your child operates is appropriate for their size and ability. An ATV that is too large or powerful can be challenging to control, increasing the risk of accidents. Select models specifically designed for children, considering their age, weight, and experience level.

ATV Safe Riding Practices:

Teaching children safe riding practices is essential for their well-being. Emphasize the following guidelines:

1. Riding within Designated Areas: Encourage children to ride in designated ATV parks or areas, away from roadways and pedestrians. These areas are specifically designed to ensure rider safety and minimize potential hazards.

2. Obeying Speed Limits: Teach children to ride at appropriate speeds for the terrain and their skill level. Excessive speed can lead to loss of control and accidents.

3. Avoiding Risky Maneuvers: Discourage children from attempting stunts, jumps, or riding on uneven or unstable terrain that may exceed their ability.

4. Maintaining Safe Distances: Teach children to maintain a safe distance from other ATVs or vehicles to prevent collisions.

Regular Maintenance for your ATV:

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of ATVs. Regularly inspect the vehicle for any signs of wear or damage, such as worn tires, loose bolts, or malfunctioning brakes. Adhere to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and promptly address any issues.

ATVs can provide thrilling experiences for children, but their safe operation requires careful attention to guidelines and precautions. By following these guidelines, parents can significantly reduce the risks associated with ATV use. Prioritizing safety ensures that children can enjoy the adventure while minimizing the potential for accidents and injuries.

If you have any questions about ATV safety for children or have any other questions about your child’s health, contact the Pediatric Center. We are here for you and your family when you need us with extended hours on nights and weekends as well as in-house labs and x-rays to help get your family back to the activities they love as soon as possible. Contact us at our Idaho Falls location at (208) 523-3060 or our Rigby location (208) 745-8927, to set up your appointment.

 

 

 

Help your kids bike safely this summer!

Help your kids bike safely this summer!

May 17, 2023 | Bike Safety, Healthcare, Road Safety, Safety, Safety Tips, Summer Safety

As children hop on their bicycles with all the excitement the summer brings, it becomes crucial to prioritize their safety. Whether riding around the neighborhood or on a trail while camping in the mountains, teaching children about bike safety is essential to protect them from potential accidents. We want to share some tips to help keep your children safe on their bike riding adventures this summer!

ALWAYS WEAR HELMETS!

The first and foremost rule of bike safety is wearing a properly fitted helmet. Bike helmets act as a first line of defense, significantly reducing the risk of head injuries in case of falls or collisions. By providing a cushioning effect and absorbing the impact, helmets can mitigate the severity of head trauma, including concussions, skull fractures, and other potentially life-altering injuries.

Emphasize the significance of protecting their heads and make it a non-negotiable rule. Ensure that the helmet meets safety standards and covers the forehead, leaving only two fingers’ width between the eyebrows and the helmet’s rim. Teach your child how to secure the straps snugly, ensuring a secure fit. Set a good example for your children by consistently wearing your own helmet when cycling.

RULES OF THE ROAD

Teaching children about road rules when riding a bike is vital for their safety. Explain basic traffic signs and signals, the importance of stopping at intersections, and looking both ways before crossing. Encourage them to use hand signals when turning and teach them to ride in the same direction as traffic, on the right side of the road.

INSPECT BIKES REGULARLY

Regularly inspecting and maintaining the bicycle ensures its optimal performance and reduces the risk of mechanical failures. Teach your child to check the brakes, tires, and chain before every ride. Explain the importance of properly inflated tires, functioning brakes, and a securely fastened chain.

DRESS FOR THE ACTIVITY

Wearing appropriate clothing while riding a bike enhances visibility and minimizes potential hazards. Encourage your child to wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to improve visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Closed-toe shoes and well-fitting clothes can help to prevent entanglement with the bike’s moving parts.

STAY AWARE AND ALERT

Teach your child to stay alert and aware of their surroundings while riding their bikes. Remind them to look out for pedestrians, vehicles, and other cyclists. Instruct them to avoid distractions such as using mobile devices or wearing headphones while riding. Encourage them to listen and watch for approaching vehicles or other potential hazards.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE!

Riding bikes with a friend adds an extra layer of safety. Encourage your child to ride with a friend or a family member whenever possible. They can look out for each other, navigate together, and provide assistance if needed.

WATCH OUT!

Teach your children to anticipate potential dangers, such as opening car doors, sudden stops, cars backing out of garages or driveways, and erratic driving behavior from motorists. Encourage them to maintain a safe distance from parked cars and stay out of blind spots.

USE SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS

Instruct your child on the proper use of sidewalks and crosswalks. Explain that pedestrians have the right of way, and cyclists should yield when crossing intersections or sharing the sidewalk with pedestrians. Remind them to walk their bicycles when using crosswalks.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Practice riding bikes with your children in various settings, including residential areas, bike paths, and busier streets, to improve their skills and confidence. Be vigilant during their rides, providing guidance and feedback as needed.

Bike safety is a crucial aspect of children’s lives and provides a great way to get exercise and enjoy time with friends. By teaching children to follow these safety tips, they will have the necessary tools to navigate their cycling adventures safely. 

If you have any questions about bike safety or other activities, contact the Pediatric Center. We have been providing comprehensive care for infants, children, and teens in Idaho Falls and Rigby for over 55 years. We offer extended hours on nights and weekends as well as in-house labs and x-rays to help get your family back to the activities they love as soon as possible. Contact us at our Idaho Falls location at (208) 523-3060 or our Rigby location (208) 745-8927, to set up your appointment.

 

 

 

Trampoline Safety Tips

Trampoline Safety Tips

Apr 19, 2023 | Healthcare, Safety, Trampoline

The weather is getting warmer and children are outside again riding bikes, swinging, and even jumping on trampolines. Trampolines are a popular outside activity for children, teens, and even some adults! Trampolines can be a fun way to stay active and enjoy time outdoors, but they can also be dangerous if not used properly. Unfortunately, thousands of people are injured on trampolines each year. Children who are 6 years age and younger are at the greatest risk of injury. Common injuries from trampolines include broken bones, concussions, sprains, bruises, scrapes, and head or neck injuries which can sometimes lead to permanent paralysis or even death. Most trampoline injuries occur when there is more than one person jumping on the trampoline. By following trampoline safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and injuries.

Children can get hurt when they:

  • Land wrong while jumping, flipping, or doing somersaults
  • Try various stunts
  • Strike or are struck by another person
  • Fall or jump off the trampoline
  • Land on the springs or frame

Safety tips for trampolines:

Here are some tips from the AAP to help minimize your child’s risk of being injured on a trampoline!

  1. Supervise children jumping on trampolines at all times.
  2. Only allow one jumper on the trampoline at a time.
  3. Ensure that the trampoline has adequate protective padding that is in good condition and appropriately placed.
  4. Somersaults and flips are not recommended because of the risk of head and neck injuries.
  5. Use a safety net for the trampoline and check all equipment often.
  6. If the padding, net enclosure, or any other parts become damaged, replace or repair them as soon as possible.

At the Pediatric Center, we want to give your children the best treatment they can get. If your child gets injured on a trampoline or during other activities, please don’t hesitate to call the Pediatric Center. We are open extended hours and on weekends so we can be here for you when you need us. Our hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm, and on Sunday from 1 pm – 5 pm. We even have x-rays and labs right in our office so you can get the right diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible. You can contact us at our Idaho Falls location at (208) 523-3060 or our Rigby location (208) 745-8927, to set up your appointment.

 

Some content provided by healthychildren.org