Kids and helmets

There is a family on my block with two children. One child is a boy (my guess around 11 TOPS) and I am assuming the little girl he is always with is his sister (who cannot be more than 4 years old). They look like very happy children. However, whenever I see them outside, the little girl is either on a scooter, tricycle or Big Wheel type of toy in the middle of the street with her brother either dragging or pushing her. She has no helmet or protective gear on. Sometimes, she does not have shoes on. I should also mention that there are never any adults outside watching them. I am concerned that one day, this little girl will get run over especially if she is going in between cars.

The good neighbor in me would love to talk to the parent, but the common sense in me says that maybe this isn't smart. You never know how people will react to confrontation - especially when it comes to their children. We also think that it is possible that they are immigrants who are a) not English speakers and b) not knowledgeable about helmet laws and children in NY or the country for that matter.

Has anybody ever dealt with something like this? What did you do?

Re: Kids and helmets

Please say something... or leave a note!

Two months before our wedding day, my husband was riding his bicycle and was hit by a car. He was in the ICU for two days in critical condition and then remained in the hospital for a few days after. He needed 40 staples in his stomach to close a laceration so deep that his ribs were exposed, countless stitches on his arms, a few stitches on his face, and now has a multitude of scars and disfigurement from "road rash." The reason I'm saying this is because the helmet SAVED HIS LIFE. Luckily, he always wears a helmet -- and if he hadn't, he definitely would not be here today (he almost wasn't even with the helmet!) He did have a concussion, but he had no bleeding in his brain, no TBI, etc.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make it known that these children should be wearing helmets! They saved my husbands life.

If you're not convinced... do a quick search on LIW for the pictures from his accident... or FM me for a link.

Re: Kids and helmets

I would love to say something but the truth is, I do not know which house they live in. They are always up and down the block and I never actually saw them go into or come out from a particular house. I am actually assuming they live on my block, but they could live around the corner or on the next block down. I certainly dont want to follow them and scare them.

Re: Kids and helmets

If I do see an adult with them, I think I would say that I was concerned that the children were in the street and people speed up and down the block. I would also not confront alone. Id bring DH. He is a little more intimidating than I am.

Re: Kids and helmets

I would try to find out where they live and leave a note w/ helmets (if money allows) at there door explaining that the children's safety is very important

Re: Kids and helmets

Or maybe since school is starting you can contact the principal and ask if a "reminder" note about the importance and legality of helmets for children. That way if there are other kids not wearing them it's a gentle nudge for the parents.