An article posted in the local paper about a 12-yr-old boy who was hit by a vehicle while skateboarding seemed to spur some discussion on the stjoenews.net blog boards. Some blamed the parents for lack of adult supervision, others blamed the City for not providing ample places for youth to skateboard, and one blogger even posted a link to the ordinance which stated that no person is allowed to use skateboards, inline skates or other similar device in any business district.
All "blame" and accessibility to parks aside, this does raise an issue of safety. Why is there no law in MO for helmets? One other state comes to mind : CA. They have a helmet law for minors riding anything with wheels. Youths are required to have a helmet on when riding their bicycle, skateboard, scooter, etc;. I cannot believe that the government has to be the one to protect your child, but apparently, I've been told that helmets can save lives! In CA, you don't have to be rich to have a helmet, either. There are countless opportunities for families to receive free helmets, courtesy of fire depts, public service agencies, etc;
It's time to demand a helmet law be enacted to protect our children.
