Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

Bicycle helmets are just one of those things that are always on my radar. As the father of two young children, I think that bicycle helmets are essential for preventing injuries, especially serious brain injuries. As bicycle injury attorneys, we are always on the lookout for information that could enhance the safety of the biking community. We just recently learned that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall of Triple Eight bicycle helmets for children and youth. CPSC recommends that all consumers stop using the helmets immediately and contact Triple Eight toll free at (888) 548-8518 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit www.triple8.com for a refund.

According to CPSC, about 30,400 helmets have been sold at bicycle, sports and other retailers throughout the U.S., as well as online, from August 2006 until November 2011. The helmets retailed for about $40.00, and were manufactured in China. The recall came about due to product testing that "demonstrated that these helmets do not comply with CPSC safety standards for impact resistance. Consumers could suffer impact head injuries in a fall." So far, no injuries have been reported.

The helmets have been marketed as multi-purpose helmets. Those affected by the recall are called Little Tricky, Triple Eight S/M EPS Liner helmets, Sector 9 S/M EPS Liner helmets. CPSC has photos on its website.

The bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll believe it is imperative for children to wear helmets while riding bicycles. At this point, a number of Illinois towns like Barrington, Illinois, mandate that children under 17 wear helmets while riding bicycles. The City of Chicago requires that bike messengers wear helmets. There is no state-wide rule at this point. Required helmet use can be controversial. Some say advocates would be wise to focus their attention on proper bicycle use over mandated helmet use, especially in an urban setting. Supporters of bike helmet laws believe that helmet use can help prevent serious brain injury in the event of a collision or fall.

The Illinois Secretary of State reports that a bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent in the event of a crash. When it comes to children, however, the effectiveness of the bike helmet in preventing injury depends on whether or not the helmet fits properly and complies with CPSC standards.

To prevent devastating injuries, drivers must keep their eyes on the lookout for bicyclists and pedestrians. Illinois requires that drivers exercise due care to avoid colliding with anyone operating a bicycle, with a pedestrian, or with any other device propelled by human power. See 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1.