This months healthy message we spoke about the importance of exercise and keeping safe when riding our bikes.
Road accidents are the main cause of fatality and serious injury to children under the age of 16 in the UK. Over 33,000 children under the age of 16 were injured in 2009. 171 of these children were killed. Cycling injuries and fatalities are less numerous but still a major cause of accidental death and serious injury. Over 23,000 children go to hospital as a result of cycle accidents off the road (ie at home in parks etc.). ALWAYS • Look, listen and think. Accidents can happen • Look RIGHT, LEFT and then RIGHT AGAIN when crossing the road. • Make sure the road is clear before crossing and do not cross between parked cars. • Wear a helmet when riding a bike. • Hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road. • Use a crossing where available. • Put the safety of babies in prams first and never push the pram out into the road first.
