Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. announced recently Governor George E. Pataki signed his legislation into law that extends the bicycle helmet law and will require children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet while using a scooter.

"Today's scooters are fun to ride, but their lightweight metals and high-speed wheels increase chances for serious injury," said Fuschillo. "Requiring children under the age of 14 to wear helmets when riding a scooter gives them extra protection from the dangers of a serious head injury."

"Senator Fuschillo remains to be a strong advocate for children's safety," said Lucille Weinstein, MD, MPH, Medical Coordinator of Injury Prevention and Control at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola. "Pediatricians are thrilled that this legislation was signed into law because scooter usage has increased dramatically and so has the number of injuries in the last few years. Helmets will help prevent over 85 percent of head injuries related to scooters. Children should also be reminded to use other protective gear such as elbow and knee pads when riding a scooter."

According to Fuschillo, his legislation would amend the current bicycle law to require all children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet when operating a scooter. The child's parent or legal guardian can face a fine of up to $50 if they are present at the time of violation. First-time offenders will receive a warning. A court may waive the fine for a violation due to economic hardship or if proof is shown that a helmet was purchased between the time of the violation and the court appearance.

"Expanding the bicycle helmet law to include scooters is significantly important due to out of proportion hospitalizations for children who injure themselves on scooters," said James W. Reed, coordinator, Nassau County Traffic Safety Board. "Head injuries are the leading cause of death to children."

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), throughout the nation in 2000 there were more than 9,400 scooter injuries. Most of these injuries were to kids under the age of 15 who fell off their scooters with 29 percent of their injuries to the head and face.