A MOTHER whose son died in a skateboarding accident is urging the government to make helmets compulsory for children aged 13 and under on skateboards, scooters and roller blades.
Alison Marshall has launched a petition to extend the scope of existing legislation for children – which currently only covers bicycles.
Ms Marshall’s 16-year-old son, Brian, died from a brain injury sustained in a skateboarding accident outside their home.
“Brian’s death has been difficult to talk about, and the deep pain of his loss has never left,” she said.
She added: “I recently began sharing Brian’s story because of recent accidents on the Island and the growing popularity of a variety of wheeled sports.
“Brian would not want other families to suffer from losing a loved one to an injury that can so easily be prevented.”
The tragedy inspired her to launch the “Wear a Helmet Jersey” campaign to raise awareness of helmet safety in partnership with brain injury charity Headway.
“The goal is to encourage children to embrace simple and sensible helmet safety in all wheeled activities,” she explained.
Ms Marshall, now an ambassador for Headway, said that the charity “recognises that promoting awareness, delivering education and advocating for common sense helmet laws all lead to culture change”.
“They believe the prevention of brain injury is as important as the support they provide to those with brain injuries,” she added. “Together we have worked with schools, scouts, Jersey Sport, Jersey Youth Services and various politicians to promote awareness and provide children helmet education.
“We believe if we can get messaging to primary school kids and their parents, a new generation will grow up who just naturally wear helmets.”
Ms Marshall said: “A brain injury can happen anytime, anywhere on anything with wheels. The easiest way to prevent or minimise brain injury is by wearing a helmet that is properly fitted and appropriate for your sport.”
“The campaign’s slogan encapsulates this idea: ‘Get it. Fit it. Wear it.’”
The petition has so far gained over 400 signatures. It requires 1,000 signatures for ministers to respond and 5,000 for consideration in the States Assembly.
The deadline for signing is today (6 August) and the petition can be found at: petitions.gov.je/petitions/200963.
