I would like to inform our residents about a new state law that may save and protect young lives. A measure requiring children under the age of 14 to wear helmets while riding scooters has recently been signed into law.

This new mandate is an extension of the existing provision that requires helmets to be worn by children under 14 when riding bicycles, skateboards and inline skates. The intention of this addition to the law is to reduce the number of injuries that are a result of children falling from the popular two-wheel scooters.

Scooters are fun and exciting but they can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,500 accidents involving scooters occurred in the United States last year, and roughly one third resulted in injuries to the head or face of the rider. It is for this reason that wearing protective helmets is so important. The cost of a helmet is a small price to pay to protect a child's safety.

Although the helmets go a long way toward protecting children, I encourage parents to have their children wear additional protective gear as well. Sturdy shoes, gloves to protect hands, wrist guards and elbow and knee pads can all help to minimize the risk of injury. No one plans to fall but it is always best to be prepared, just in case!

Other ways to stay "scooter safe" include following the rules of traffic, staying alert to your surroundings and having only one person ride on the scooter at a time.

Scooters are the most fun when they are ridden safely. I encourage parents to have their children follow these safety tips to ensure that their children have the most enjoyable scooter-riding experience possible.