Helmets, protective gear and safe riding habits can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries from bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility vehicles that are popular for summer fun. Riding micromobility vehicles is a common recreational activity in the warmer months. However, fun in the sun can quickly turn dangerous if the appropriate safety measures are not considered. Emergency departments and trauma centers frequently see injuries involving bikes, e-scooters, e-bikes, skateboards and similar devices.
These micro-mobile devices may include:
- electric scooters and bicycles
- hoverboards
- skateboards
- rollerblades
- manual bicycles and scooters
- ATVs and four-wheelers
Kimberly Hendershot, M.D., director of education in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, says accidents involving these types of vehicles can range in severity depending largely on the crash and protective equipment used.
Helmets are mandatory
Medical experts strongly advise against operating or riding any motor-powered transportation or micro-mobile device without protective gear. Helmets, elbow pads and knee pads are medically tested and proved to reduce the risk of injuries caused from these type accidents.
“A helmet takes the force that is put on the helmet and disperses it, so it doesn’t impact your head nearly as much,” Hendershot said.
However, Hendershot warns that safety precautions are just as important as a helmet.
“If the injury to the head is hard enough, it is quite possible to still end up with a head injury,” Hendershot said. “This emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet, along with obeying the rules, regulations and traffic laws that coincide with the micromobility vehicle in operation.”
Hendershot says the best way to protect young riders is to educate them on traffic laws and sidewalk etiquette and to ensure that they are operating and riding in areas that are safe and low in traffic or obstacles.
“Encourage them to be vigilant, watch for cars, stop at stop signs and always exercise precaution,” Hendershot said. “It is also very important to not misuse equipment and only utilize these vehicles for their intended use in the way they were created to be ridden.”
Concussion vs TBI
In the event of a head injury, a traumatic brain injury or TBI can range from a mild concussion to severe traumatic brain bleeding.
Symptoms may include:
- loss of consciousness
- gaps in memory
- headaches
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- unexplained confusion
- difficulty finding words
- repetitive questions
Seek medical attention immediately if trauma to the head occurs, especially if it is unclear on severity. If a child or someone involved in accident is acting abnormally, a medical evaluation needs to be done as soon as possible.
The difference between a concussion and a brain bleed is the presence of blood on the brain after the accident. However, many symptoms of a concussion and bleeding on the brain can overlap. The difference can only be correctly determined via computed axial tomography, also referred to as a CT or CAT scan.
“These symptoms can present in a variety of ways,” Hendershot said. “However, a diagnosis cannot be given until a scan is completed.”
Hendershot says time is of the essence because every case is different. There is no clear indicator of any window of time that can be deemed as safe or dangerous to seek medical aid after a head injury.
“As soon as out-of-character behavior is detected, they need to be evaluated,” Hendershot said. “Any abnormal cognitive cues need to be treated with urgency because it can very well mean the difference between life and death.”
Beyond the brain
Stephen Mitchell, DMD, a professor in UAB School of Dentistry, says recent research studies have shown an increase in the number and the severity of dental and facial injuries associated with these mobility devices.
“In an accident, these vehicles tend to catapult the rider forward onto their head and face, causing significant damage,” Mitchell said. “Riders should always wear a helmet to protect the head, but this does not always necessarily protect the face.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no one under 16 operates these vehicles, and those over 16 should always wear a helmet.
“As a dentist, I suggest riders consider wearing a Department of Transportation-certified full-face helmet instead of a bicycle helmet,” Mitchell said. “If a dental injury occurs to a child, especially if a permanent tooth is knocked out, take them immediately to a hospital or dental clinic.”
Mitchell says UAB Pediatric Dentistry residents at Children’s of Alabama are always ready to help with pediatric dental injuries.