Consumer Alert: The Division of Consumer Protection and The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Warn Adults to Wear Their Bike Helmets

 

May is National Bike Safety Month

More Than Half of Bike Crash Fatality victims in New York State Were Not Wearing Helmets

 The Division of Consumer Protection and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today alerted New Yorkers of all ages of the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. A new CDC report revealed that bicycle-related deaths nationally increased between 2009 and 2018, primarily among adults. Males were three times more likely than females to end up in the hospital with traumatic brain injuries.

In New York in 2019, there were more than 6,000 bicycle crashes and 49 fatalities. In more than half of these crashes, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Twenty-nine of those bicyclists who were killed were not wearing proper headgear.

“Helmets are not just important safety gear for young riders,” said New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “Adults are just as likely to be involved in a crash while riding and are less likely to wear a helmet, resulting in serious injury. I urge all New Yorkers to be smart when riding and wear a helmet.”

GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “When it comes to safety, wearing a properly fitting bike helmet is just as important as buckling up in a motor vehicle. Helmets are crucial in helping to lower the risk of injury to your head. I remind motorists and cyclists to share the road responsibly.”

Tips for choosing the right helmet:

• Pair the activity to the helmet. Different activities can result in different impact to your head. Use a helmet that fits the activity, so if an accident occurs, you are better protected.
• Read the directions. With helmets, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Every helmet can fit and operate differently.
• Make sure it fits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises bike helmets should have a snug but comfortable fit on the rider's head.
• Buckle up! A helmet only works when it is worn properly for the duration of an activity. Make sure your helmet has a chin strap and buckle that lays flat and stays fastened. Wear your helmet level on your forehead, not tilted back.
• Conform to regulations. The CPSC oversees helmets for many activities, including bikes. For instance, bicycle helmets must confirm to five separate standards.[1] When buying a bike helmet, look for the label that reads: “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmet.”
• After a crash or injury, replace. Once a helmet protects a person from a fall, it should no longer be used. Any damage to a helmet can reduce its effectiveness. Replace it before the next ride.

More details and tips from the CPSC: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity.

For more safety tips and important information for bicyclists and motorists visit the GTSC website at https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/bicycle-and-wheel-sport-safety.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

 

For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

 

About GTSC

Combined with education and enforcement campaigns, GTSC coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

For more information about traffic safety in New York State, please visit the GTSC website at https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/.