Accidents involving children and vehicles on the rise, Dayton Children’s Hospital reports

Dayton Children’s Hospital has seen a 125% increase in bicycle-versus-car accidents between April 1 and July 1 and the hospital’s injury prevention coordinator is suggesting that parents stay involved with their children’s activities.

“We’ve seen an increase in those injuries this summer,” said Abbey Pettiford, Dayton Children’s Hospital’s injury prevention coordinator. “And I think it’s just more kids are using them. It’s been really nice out but an increase from the same period last year.”

As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., the statistics the hospital has compiled also revealed a 25% jump in accidents involving motorized vehicles, such as ATVs and e-bikes, and a 29% increase in non-motorized accidents involving vehicles such as bicycles and skateboards.

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The uptick in accidents also includes accidents involving cars and children on foot.

But in all cases, Pettiford said, Dayton Children’s suggests parents remain involved with their children’s safety practices, especially with young children who may not be aware of moving vehicles.

“Ask those questions,” she said. “Also, parents can model those safe behaviors so they can wear a helmet when they’re on bikes. . . . Your kids are going to look up to you. They’re going to do what you do.”