Preventing Riding-toy Injuries

To keep your child safe:


* Make sure he always wears his helmet and other protective gear on a bike, a scooter, skates, or a skateboard; sporting-goods stores can help you get a good fit.


* He should be able to touch the ground with the balls of his feet when he sits on a bike seat.


* He shouldn't wear loose clothing or scarves, which could get caught in the bike's pedals and choke him; also, no sandals, so his feet stay on the pedals.


* Have your child try on in-line skates with socks. If you can squeeze the plastic around the ankle, it's not supportive enough.


* Teach her to crouch down if she loses her balance on a skateboard, so she doesn't have as far to fall.


* Look for wide wheels on scooters (thin ones will make it go too fast) and handlebars at the right height: For good balance, her elbows should bend at a 90-degree angle.


* Watch out for inclines, bumps, and stairways.


* Your child's foot should comfortably reach the accelerator pedal in a battery-powered ride-on car. Be sure it's on the lowest speed the first time she tries it.


* Always supervise. Until a child is at least 10, he'll need to be with an adult to ride in the street.


* Set a strict driveway safety rule: When a car is about to pull into or out of the driveway, everyone move to the front door or stoop.