E-bike injuries are way up – especially for young riders.

Police departments are posting warnings, local governments are considering new rules, and parents are struggling with the decision to buy their kid a battery-powered bike.

AAA – The Auto Club Group reports that, between 2017 and 2022, crashes involving e-bikes, e-scooters and similar vehicles triggered 360,000 emergency room visits and 233 fatalities. The group published a free safety guide for parents with lots of information and suggestions.

• Many e-bikes can hit 28 mph
  

• Look for models with parental controls, such as speed limits and geo-fencing
  

• Helmets are nonnegotiable, but standard bicycle helmets aren’t designed for higher speeds. Look for helmets meeting the NTA 8776 standard. At speeds above 28 mph, look for a motorcycle helmet.
  

• Ride in bike lanes when possible, and always yield to pedestrians.
  

• Stay alert! Especially around vehicles!
  

All drivers need to stay alert for farm equipment on rural roads, but farmers have to be vigilant that tractors and equipment are visible.

Never assume other drivers know or understand your intentions!

Remember to:

• Repair or replace SMV emblems, lighting, reflectors, and/or flagging on farm equipment as needed. Inspect equipment every time it will be on a roadway.
  

• Have replacement lights, reflectors, flagging and SMV signs on hand before they’re needed.
  

• Be particularly mindful when turning. Added implements might block turn signals, and motorists may misinterpret a left turn hand signal as an indication to pass.
  

• Pull over when possible to let cars pass. Traffic build up can exacerbate aggressive driving.
  

• Adjust travel if possible to avoid peak passenger travel times.
  

• Use an additional escort vehicle in high traffic or low visibility areas.
  

Be Safe, Be Seen!

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Remember: Parked cars heat up like ovens on a summer day, and more than 1,000 children have died in hot cars since 1998.

AAA – The Auto Club Group wants to remind everyone: Taking a second to check the back seat can save a life. Studies show the temperature in a car can rise 20° in 10 minutes.

• Check every time
  

• Keep vehicles locked and keys out of reach to keep children from entering on their own
  

• Call 911 immediately if a child is alone in the vehicle
  

The same idea holds for pets: Even with windows cracked, vehicles heat rapidly and can become deadly.

Hot weather can also raise breakdown risks. Common problems:

• Dead batteries – heat shortens battery lifespan
  

• Tire blowouts – hot pavement weakens tire integrity
  

• Engine overheating –cooling systems work harder under stress
  

• Fluid breakdown – heat reduces the effectiveness of essential fluids
  

AAA recommends quick checks:

• Test batteries, especially those older than three years
  

• Check tire pressure and tread (it’s easy - here’s how)
  

• Inspect hoses, belts, and cooling systems
  

• Top off engine fluids
  

Park in shaded areas when possible, and if you need a mechanic, AAA has a database of approved repair centers you can search by zip code.

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