Mother in Jersey calls for helmets to be made compulsory after son's skateboarding death
Rory O'Regan met a mother who would like to see tougher laws around wearing helmets in Jersey
A mother in Jersey is calling for helmets to be compulsory for anyone aged 13 and under whilst on skateboards, rollerblades and scooters after her son was killed in a skateboarding accident.
The law already exists for cyclists in the island but Alison Marshall wants its remit to be extended.
Her son Brian was not wearing a helmet when he died while skateboarding in America more than 15 years ago.
Skateboarding is a popular pastime in Jersey, with world-class facilities in Les Quennevais and plans for a skatepark to be built in a church in St Ouen.
Alison welcomes the popularity of the sport, but is calling for more to be done to prioritise safety: "The community has done a great job coming together to build the skateboard and scooter community.
"But I think it's time to take that next step. We have to focus on safety and there are a number of inexpensive ways that we as a community can do that.
"If we're riding anything with wheels, we should say 'no helmet, no ride'. It's the easiest way to be safe."
But Alison's ambitions do not stop at children aged 13 and under, she is also hoping her change could lead to a culture shift where everyone wears a helmet regardless of their age.
"I really ask the community, whether you're a child or an adult, to please wear a helmet. Unfortunately, Brian passed, but if he and his story can help even one person stay safe, that would just mean so much to both of us."
The Jersey Skateparks Association says it "supports the safe use of skateparks and if this change in the law prevents even one brain injury, it will be worthwhile".
ITV News has approached the island's government for a comment.