NINA GIBBS – Sports Club Director
Summer is finally here, and all families want to do is get out and play! Who can blame them? Here at Oldfield we have
the most beautiful community to get out and play in. One thing we at Oldfield are blessed with is a gated community, but this gated community can give families at Oldfield a false sense of security.
Remember, the best way to have fun and enjoy being outside, is to do it safely, not only to avoid pain and injury, but to keep healthy kids out of emergency rooms and centers. Here are a few tips on how to help keep your family injury free while playing outside this summer. When biking, skateboarding, and riding scooters:
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing, no matter how slowly you are riding. A fall at any speed can cause a head injury.
- Stop and look both ways for cars before entering the street from a driveway, parking lot, or sidewalk.
- Move with the traffic flow – ride on the right-hand side of the street.
- Ride single file and never carry any passengers on bicycles built for one.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. Bicycles are not toys – they are considered vehicles.
- Slow down when approaching intersections. Children should walk their bikes across busy intersections and streets. Do not assume drivers will give you the right-of-way.
- If biking at night is necessary, equip your bike with a headlight and flashing reflectors. Also wear reflective tape or clothing.
- Always watch for potential hazards like loose gravel, potholes, wet leaves, or other things that may cause you to crash.
- Keep your bicycle under control. No stunts.
- Ride skateboards and scooters on the sidewalk.
- Give cars and pedestrians the right-of-way and always pass them on the left.
- Make sure your bike is a safe bike and the right size for you. Make sure both feet can touch the ground while sitting on the seat.
- Make sure all parts of the equipment you are using are in good working con- dition.