Mum?s warning after son is seriously hurt in trail bike accident
Aug 6 2008 by Chris Black, Wishaw Press
A WISHAW mother is warning parents of the dangers posed by trail bikes after her son was seriously injured while riding one.
Michelle McShane (34), of Pather, has spoken out after her son Declan recently broke his neck after crashing one of the bikes.
Declan (10), was playing with friends in Thornlie Gill last Saturday when he borrowed an older girl?s trail bike to have a go.
But what he thought would just be a bit of fun nearly turned into tragedy when he was unable to control the powerful vehicle.
The youngster came off the bike and landed on his head, breaking a bone in his neck at the base of his skull. Declan was rushed to Wishaw General Hospital before being transferred to specialists at Glasgow?s Southern General Hospital.
Now Michelle, who had warned Declan never to go near trail bikes, hopes her son?s accident will highlight to other children and parents just how dangerous the motorbikes really are.
She said: ?I?ve always been totally against trail bikes and I have continually told Declan that under no circumstances is he to go near them.
?I?m absolutely delighted that he?s going to be okay in the end, but I?m very angry with him as well for not doing what he?s told.
?These bikes are a big problem in Pather because they?re very popular with a lot of kids. The police are always chasing them for being on the bikes, but it doesn?t seem to put them off.
?Hopefully, Declan?s accident will deter mums and dads buying these bikes as toys because they most certainly aren?t. The speeds they go at make them very dangerous and Declan?s accident could have been a lot worse.?
The youngster may also have been saved from more serious injury by the crash helmet he was wearing.
Declan has had four pins inserted into his head and he will have to wear a special halo and vest for the next four months. The halo is there to help support his neck while the bones heal and he will have to attend the Southern General every week during those four months to have the pins tightened.
While Declan is expected to make a full recovery over time, his mum will be happy if the lasting legacy of the accident is that trail bikes are no longer seen in Pather.
Michelle said: ?Declan has learned his lesson and he has promised never to go on a motorbike again. He thought it?d just be a quick bit of fun but because of the accident he isn?t even able to ride his own bicycle during the rest of the summer holidays.
?One good thing that has come out of the whole thing already is that the family of the girl who owned the bike Declan crashed are getting rid of it. And a couple of friends who were thinking of getting trail bikes for their kids have said that they definitely won?t now.
?It?s just crazy that some parents are spending up to ?2000 on something that?s so dangerous and inappropriate for their children. If one child is deterred from wanting a trail bike after seeing how Declan has ended up it will have been worthwhile.?
Declan will have to undergo a programme of physiotherapy and his neck is expected to take up to 18 months to heal.
But he is hopeful that with the help of a dedicated classroom assistant he?ll be able to catch up with his friends at Wishaw Academy when the holidays end.
Wishaw Police also put out a warning about trail bikes. Area Inspector Kenny Graham said: "A young boy has suffered serious injuries which not only affects him but his family, and it is tragic under the circumstances.
?We must reiterate these machines are not toys. This is an example of what can happen if these vehicles are used in such circumstances.
?To be fit for use on the road they must be legally taxed, insured and, where applicable, have an MOT with the most relevant driving licence.
?In lots of situations parents are buying trail bikes and the like for their children and they are not fully aware of the legislation which affects such vehicles.
?The use of such vehicles is governed by the Road Traffic Act and if anyone wants any information they can contact their local police office.
?Such vehicles shouldn't be ridden in public places without the correct documentation.
?Even if they have the permission of the land owner, they are still using them at their own risk.
"Strathclyde Police actively encourages the safe use and responsible supervision of young children on such machines.
?In recent years there have been a number of deaths and serious injuries to the riders of such machines and complacency should never be adopted as to the danger of using them without the necessary equipment and safety checks having been properly carried out.
?Children should be supervised at all times when such machines are being used by them.?
The police recommend that riders use a recognise bike track and an approved, well-fitting crash helmet should be worn and securely fastened at all times. Protective clothing should also be worn, along with tough shoes and gloves and children should be supervised
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even with a helmet , kid gets hurt pretty bad.
each to his own. Still think the .22 is the better of the two .