Scooter Safety for Kids
Scooters provide hours of excitement for kids. Unfortunately, scooter injuries happen when children and parents least expect. Protect your child when riding a scooter by taking some simple precautions.
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Safety Gear
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Helmets reduce the risk of serious injury. Safety gear reduces the risk of severe injuries when a child falls off a scooter. A helmet, elbow, and knee pads will protect children. Long-sleeve shirts and pants prevent cuts and scrapes.
Smooth Surfaces
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Non-smooth surfaces increase the risk of injury. A smooth surface like the sidewalk is ideal for riding on a scooter. Avoid gravel, water, sand and dirt whenever possible.
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Day Time
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Children are safer when riding scooters during the day. Riding a scooter during the day allows children to see better than riding at dusk or dawn. Children should not ride at night or in secluded areas.
Equipment Check
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Scooters need routine inspection to prevent accidents. Check scooters regularly to ensure proper working order. Look for cracks and loose parts.
Parental supervision
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Supervision and rules can help reduce the chance of injury. Though parents can hardly prevent spills and accidents on scooters, supervision and/or a strictly enforced set of rules can help reduce the chances of serious injury.
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References
- Photo Credit scooter 2 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com Safety helmets image by windzepher from Fotolia.com Cracks in Sidewalk image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com Nice Home in The Suburbs image by Chuck Alexander from Fotolia.com Scooter image by Ermes from Fotolia.com way for parent with child - sign on pavement image by endostock from Fotolia.com