New Study Indicates Children with ADHD May be at Higher Risk for Injury at Intersections

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Personal Injury

Because they are still learning the rules of the road, and because their judgement skills are still developing, all children riding bicycles have an elevated risk of injury at intersections. However, a new study suggests that, because they are typically more impulsive and have trouble paying attention, children with ADHD may be at an even higher risk of being involved in an accident. Knowing this, parents may wish to refresh their children on the basics of street safety and, in some cases, continue to monitor them as needed. About the Study Published in the December 2015 issue of  the Journal of Child Psychology, the study analyzed the response time and decision making abilities of 27 children with ADHD and 36 children without ADHD as they “crossed” a simulated intersection on stationary bicycles. Researchers found that, while all children crossed the street with similar-sized gaps between cars, children with ADHD tended to stall and typically had less time to get across safely. Moreover, children with ADHD seemed to struggle more when it came to readjusting after being exposed to heavier traffic. Rather than wait for wider gaps, they continued to cross when gaps between cars were smaller, which increased their risk of an accident. Improving Traffic Safety for All Children Each year, nearly 400,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. Children also account for approximately 5% to 10% of all road traffic deaths in the United States each year. To help keep them safe, parents should monitor children and regularly discuss the basics of proper bike and traffic safety. Basic Traffic and Bicycle Safety for Young Children:

• Do not play in or near the road;
• Do not ride on or near the street without adult supervision;
• Always stop to look and listen when entering a roadway to cross;and
• Always have an adult present when preparing to cross or enter the street.

Basic Traffic and Bicycle Safety for Older Children:

• Always ride with traffic, regardless of whether you are one the road, shoulder, or sidewalk;
• Approach every intersection (including alleyways, driveways, and parking lots) with extreme caution;
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times (and two is better);
• Obey all traffic signs and signals, even if it appears there is no other traffic nearby;
• Ride only in the daytime; and
• Always wear a helmet.

Parents who have children with ADHD may also wish to teach their children how to look for longer gaps between cars. Chances are, they will have a big enough gap to cross, even if their timing is off. If, however, you are concerned about your child’s safety, you may wish to revert back to beginner strategies, at least until you are certain they can handle crossing safely on their own. Bicycle Accident or Injury? Our Skilled Attorneys Can Help If you or someone you love has been injured on a bicycle because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. It should be noted, however, that these cases are often extremely complex. Get the representation you deserve with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP. Compassionate, determined, and resourceful, our Milwaukee bicycle accident attorneys provide personalized attention and sound legal advice, even in the most difficult of cases. Find out how we can help you by scheduling your consultation. Call 414-271-1440 today.

Sources:

http://nwitimes.com/niche/get-healthy/kids-with-adhd-may-be-more-likely-to-have-accident/article_fc95458d-d3a0-5057-8bd0-5b37b30ada66.html

http://who.int/violence_injury_prevention/child/injury/world_report/Road_traffic_injuries_english.pdf

http://ibike.org/education/safety-kids.htm