Helmet Legislation Proclaimed

The province is taking further steps to protect Nova Scotians from brain injury with changes to the Motor Vehicle Act requiring helmet use for bicycling, skateboarding and in-line skating in all circumstances.

"We've changed the law to require helmet use for all wheeled activities, whether on public or private lands and roads, skate parks or playgrounds," said Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. "But our efforts will also include education programs and more research."

The amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act for helmets became law on Jan. 12.

Helmets are proven to protect people from brain injury. Research indicates that using helmets for cycling, skateboarding and in-line skating can reduce the chance of brain injury by up to 85 per cent.

A single brain injury can cost taxpayers $6 million to $8 million. Even a minor concussion can affect a person's ability to learn or remember.

As part of our strategy to increase the use of helmets in Nova Scotia, the Department of Health Promotion and Protection is partnering with the neurosurgery division at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Centre. Dr. Simon Walling will spearhead this plan on behalf of the neurosurgery division and Dalhousie University.

Health Promotion and Protection has provided the neurosurgery division with $55,000 to continue work with the Helmet Safety Action Committee to:

• Develop a workshop to educate public, medical and law enforcement agencies on the changes to the helmet legislation and on the importance of enforcement as a tool to prevent brain injury
• Develop a provincial reward program for children and teens who wear helmets
• Develop a strategy to ensure distribution of helmets to families in need
• Explore opportunities to extend the Noggin' Knowledge program provincewide
• Research other policy and programming strategies to encourage helmet use for activities such as snow boarding, skiing and skating.

"On a daily basis, we see the permanent and devastating outcomes of preventable brain injuries," said Lynne Fenerty, neuro trauma research co-ordinator with the neurosurgery division. "We're excited by our ongoing partnership with Health Promotion and Protection to further our prevention efforts."

Halifax Regional Police also welcomed the amendments.

"We recognize enforcement is an important component of helmet safety," said Chief Frank Beazley. "Requiring Nova Scotians to wear helmets for all wheeled activities makes our job easier and will go a long way to reduce the number of injuries."

Mr. Barnet thanked the Helmet Safety Action Committee for its help in developing the legislation. The committee includes: HRM/RCMP Partners in Policing, IWK Child Safety Link, Queen Elizabeth II neurosurgery, Emergency Health Services, Canadian Paraplegic Association, Brain Injury Association Nova Scotia, HRM Kids and Survivors of Brain Injury.