Over 12,000 Helmets Sold At Walmart Recalled Over Head Injury Risk

Sakar International has recalled 12,655 Tony Hawk helmets because they may pose head injury risks. The products were sold "exclusively" at Walmart.

The problem with the helmets was that they "don't comply" with certain safety requirements under the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) standards for bike helmets, the agency noted in a recall alert. They may "fail to protect in the event of a crash," though there have been no reported injuries or incidents related to the products.

The recall affects Sakar International's Tony Hawk Silver Metallic multi-purpose helmet, which has black buckles and Tony Hawk's signature on the outside. The products have the item number AGE2515STH-SIL on the warning label inside of the helmet. They were sold "exclusively" at Walmart stores nationwide and also through the company website.

Incidentally, the Tony Hawk helmets were given out as replacements for Sakar's multipurpose helmets that were recalled last March, according to the CPSC. At the time, 89,000 units sold in the U.S. and over 200 units sold in Canada were affected by the recall.

Those with the affected units should stop using them and contact Sakar at 800-592-9541 or email them at support@sakar.com to find out how to get a gift card from Walmart.

"Consumers should not return the helmet to Walmart and should contact Sakar for the gift card and to facilitate returns using prepaid postage packaging," noted the CPSC. "Walmart will contact all known purchasers."

The company will also contact those who got the helmet as a replacement.

Helmets and safety

Helmets are very important for many recreational activities. Not only can they lessen the risk of a severe head injury in the event of an accident, but they can also even save a person's life. This is because in a "typical fall or collision," the helmet ends up absorbing much of the impact in place of one's head and brain, explained the CPSC.

There are different types of helmets that are specifically designed to protect the user depending on the activity they will be used for. While some types of helmets used for recreational activities are subjected to "voluntary safety standards," bicycle and motorcycle helmets should "comply with mandatory federal safety standards."

"Helmets that meet the requirements of a mandatory or voluntary safety standard are designed and tested to protect the user from receiving a skull fracture or severe brain injury while wearing the helmet," noted the CPSC.

The agency has also provided some tips to help people choose the right helmet. This includes information on how to tell if a helmet fits right, how long helmets can last and the standards applicable for helmets depending on the activity.