Children love riding bikes. From an early age, they learn that two wheels (or three, in the case of tricycles) provide hours of fun and a way to quickly get them where they want to go. Depending on where you live in Vancouver, by the time they hit their ‘tweens’, they are likely riding their bikes to and from school, friends’ homes, or the local stores. Unfortunately, with the amount of traffic in the area, children are more at risk these days of bike accidents caused by collisions with motor vehicles. In the aftermath of a tragic, fatal bike accident in Vancouver, we want you to be aware of the ways you can help keep young bicyclists safe.
Fatal Bike Accident Claims Life of Vancouver Boy
Residents are still in mourning after a fatal bike accident claimed the life of a local boy. According to an October 12, 2019 news report on the accident by The Columbian, the 10-year-old was riding his bike near the corner of Northeast Ninth Street and Northeast 167th Avenue in east Vancouver when he was struck by a pickup truck in the intersection.
According to accident investigations, the crash occurred at roughly 8:30 a.m. on a weekday morning and that the boy was likely on his way to school. Eyewitnesses claim the pickup truck driver stopped before entering the intersection but the boy drove directly into the path of his vehicle. Despite wearing a helmet, the injuries the young man suffered ended up proving fatal. Police have yet to file any charges against the driver, who was taking his own child to school when the crash happened.
In the days since the crash, the sidewalk near the site has been covered in flowers, stuffed animals and other memorials while a vigil brought out more than 100 local community members.
Bicycle Safety For Children
Bicyclists in general are one of the most vulnerable road users. With little to protect them in collisions involving motor vehicles, the injuries they sustain are often severe. Children are at particularly high risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges parents that before allowing their child anywhere near other motorists or pedestrians, make sure their bike is properly functioning and that your child is old enough to follow traffic safety rules. Other tips to help protect them include:
- Encourage children to wear bright colored clothing to make them more visible to motorists;
- Warn them to avoid streets with major road hazards, such as potholes and any place under construction;
- Prohibit them from riding once it gets dark out;
- Make sure they heed stop signs and other traffic signals. Even when they have the right of way, warn them to be aware of nearby cars.
Reach Out to Our Vancouver Bike Accident Attorneys
At the Johnston Law Firm, P.C., the safety of you and your children is our top priority. When injuries occur, we help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Vancouver bike accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.