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March 20, 2001 Jacobs and Dems Pass Safety Helmet Legislation
Law to Protect Under-14 Users of Scooters and Skateboards In an action designed to protect children who use foot powered vehicles from serious head injuries, Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) joined in unanimously passing legislation that would mandate children under the age of 14 to have to wear a safety helmet when using such devices. The legislation states that no one under the age of 14 shall use a "foot powered scooter or skateboard, or ride as a passenger on a foot powered scooter" without wearing a helmet. According to Legislator Jacobs, the parents or guardian of anyone found in violation of the proscribed law would be subject to a $50 fine. The fine would be waived for first time offenders if they could show proof that they have obtained a helmet since being cited for the violation. Additionally, the fine would be waived if it was found, for reasons of economic hardship, a helmet could not be purchased. A safety helmet should meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation's 1984 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling. The law will take effect 30 days after the County Executive has signed it into law. "With the successful passage of this legislation we have an opportunity to encourage the responsible use of scooters and skateboards in our communities," said Legislator Jacobs in a joint statement of the Democratic Majority. "This law is not about punishing its violators. It will contribute to the creation of a greater awareness and acceptance of using protective gear when using these devices. |