New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law this week a law sponsored by two local state legislators that requires teenagers ages 14 to 17 to wear a helmet while riding, amending a 1999 law that only required helmets up to the age of 13 years.
Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., of Sag Harbor, who sponsored the bill, began working on the legislation when he was approached in 2011 by Gary Hornstein, a Southampton resident. Hornstein's daughter died in 2006 at age 12 after falling from a horse in Florida and suffering brain injuries, according to Thiele's office.
“I appreciate Mr. Hornstein's dedication to helping prevent anyone else's child from being injured or any family from suffering the tremendous loss that he did,” Thiel said in a statement.
Sen. Kenneth P. LaValle, of Port Jefferson, supported the Senate's passage of the bill.
“New York State was one of the first states to adopt a helmet law that protects children,” LaValle noted in a statement Thursday. “However, the current law does not adequately protect all children. … Changing the age to 18 will further protect our children, prevent serious injuries and save lives.”
The legislation also increases the fine for parents or guardians who allow their children to drive without a helmet. It will increase from $50 per violation to $250. Helmets must meet riding standards ASTM F1447.
Businesses that provide horses for rides and lessons will be required to supply helmets to new riders, as well as “beginner riders”, at no extra cost.
Thiele's office said Hornstein was instrumental in enacting similar legislation in Florida and is working to do the same in additional states. In June, when the New York State Legislature passed his law, Hornstein said, “I'm humbled and grateful to be a part of something so special — all children deserve it.”
The New York State Horse Council states on its website, “Equestrian riding has a higher injury rate per hour of exposure than many other sports. This includes downhill skiing, soccer, hang gliding and motorcycle racing.”
The council goes on to state, “Coroner's reports show that 60 percent or more of horse-related deaths are caused by head injuries. Helmets can reduce that chance by 70 to 80 percent.”
