March 8, 2006
The State of New Jersey changed the bicycle helmet laws effective
March 1, 2006 to require the wearing of an approved helmet by anyone
under the age of 17 when cycling, roller skating, in-line skating,
or skateboarding. The previous law only required riders under the
age of 14 to wear approved helmets. 
There are good reasons for wearing a helmet. The first automobile
crash in the United States occurred in New York City in 1896, when
a motor vehicle collided with a pedalcycle rider (Famous First
Facts, by Joseph Kane). More than 49,000 pedalcyclists have died
in traffic crashes in the United States since 1932, the first year
in which estimates of pedalcyclist fatalities were recorded. There
were 16 fatalities in New Jersey in 2004 involving pedalcyclists.(1) Have you ever seen a racer in the Tour du France without their
helmet?
The statute requiring the wearing of a helmet is Title 39:4-10.1
of NJ Motor Vehicle Code. The law requiring helmets while cycling
dates from the early 199’s, and in August 1998 the law was
extended to include roller and inline skates and skateboards. The
statute defines roller skates as a pair of devices worn on the
feet with a set of wheels attached, regardless of the number or
placement of those wheels and used to glide or propel the user
over the ground.
The updated statute defines a bicycle as a vehicle with two wheels
propelled solely by human power and having pedals, handle bars
and a saddle-like seat. The term includes a bicycle built for two
or more persons with seats and pedals arranged in tandem.
All helmets must be properly fastened and fitted and meet the
federal standards (display an approval sticker). Chin straps that
are fastened to prevent the helmet from coming off the wearer during
a fall or collision are a necessity.
Initial violators of the helmet law will receive warnings. For
minors, the parent or legal guardian may be fined a maximum of
$25 for the 1st offense and a maximum of $100 for every subsequent
offense(s).
Be smart and stay smart. Closed head injuries rob thousands of
their future every year. Wear a helmet and give yourself the best
chance you in an accident.
Remember
- Wear an approved helmet
- Fasten your chin straps
- Practice bicycle safety.
For additional information, please visit:
Regulations http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/regulations.shtm#helmet
FAQ’s http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/bike/faqs.shtm
Information on helmets http://www.smf.org/top4.html
Fatalaties reduced by 60% through use of helmets http://www.helmets.org/jersey.htm
(1) NHTSA Web Site http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/ncsa/TSF2004/809912.pdf |
