The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is aware of the Christmas cheer that abounds as adults seek to delight the children by giving shiny new bicycles or motorized cars as the ultimate Christmas gift. However, the CAC is imploring that the gift givers also include a helmet to ensure that the little tykes are safe from injury whenever they go out riding or driving in their motorized cars.

Although there are no local standards for children’s helmets, the CAC, in consultation with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), is reassuring consumers that there are international standards which the BSJ uses to guide them in determining (if consulted), what is accepted as a certified helmet. If consumers are in doubt about the authenticity of the manufacturer’s tag, they should check with the BSJ for verification.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A HELMET:

1. Helmets are available in various sizes, styles, colours but very few suppliers of children’s bicycles stock them. The CAC is suggesting that consumers call or visit a reliable supplier such as Giscombe Sports Warehouse in Little Premier Plaza in Kingston and use the following tips as your guide.
2. Choose a helmet with bright colours and some luminous graphics (This creates added safety item to the reflectors, bells or horns that the bicycle parents may already have attached).

3. • A finger length or one inch from the eyebrows is usually a good judgement call. However, a good helmet usually comes with clear instructions on how to best fit the helmet on the child’s head.
   • According to the US Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets:
     Your helmet fits correctly when crown padding applies firm but comfortable pressure uniformly around the head. Parents may buy pads separately to help adjust the fit for your growing child.
4. Ensure that there is extra cushioning on the forehead and the lower back of the helmet (where toddlers tend to hit when they fall forwards or backwards).
5. Ensure that there is a chin guard as toddlers usually injure their chin in a fall.
6. Fasten straps securely under the chin as snug as possible.
7. If the helmet can be moved around the head or roll backwards or obscures the child’s vision, it is too loose and is the wrong fit.
8. Check for the manufacturer’s or country of origin certification tag.
   • Go to the website of the safety council of that country. Match the information on the Internet to reduce the chances of a copycat label. Most countries use a code of certification to ensure that the helmets meet established standards. Do a little research before buying.

International studies indicate that 85 per cent of accidents involving children riding bicycles usually happen close to home. In Jamaica, bicycle accidents with motorcars have claimed the lives of 19 children between 2001 and 2005 and the CAC believes that this is 19 too many, and could be reduced, if safety measures are observed.

Although the helmet is a safety device, it is not recommended for one year olds and younger children. The CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSION is therefore encouraging consumers to arm themselves with knowledge about the product before purchasing so that they can be discriminating about how and when to spend their money especially when the safety of a child depends on the purchasing decision.

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Write to us at: 1B Holborn Road, Kingston 10 Or call us at: 926-1650-2 or toll free 1-888-991-4470, ask for our Information Desk