Bell Sports is recalling about 2,500 bike helmets sold exclusively at Toys R Us stores nationwide and online at ToysRUs.com between July 2012 and January 2013 for about $60.

The product is the Bell Full Throttle, full coverage bicycle motocross (BMX) helmets with a chin bar. The all-black helmets have UPC code 035011 937052 and part number 1009159 printed on a label on the side of the helmet shell. The Bell logo is affixed to the front and lower side of the helmet.

The buckle on the helmet’s safety strap can release in an accident and allow the helmet to fall off the rider, posing a risk of head injury.  If you have purchased one of the affected helmets, you should stop using it immediately and contact Bell Sports for a full refund.

Contact information:

• by phone toll-free at (866) 892-6059 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday-Friday.
• online at www.bellbikestuff.com –  click on “Recall Notice” for more information.

This recall hits close to home for Herndon sports injury lawyer and cyclist Doug Landau who, through his “Helmet a Day” campaign, provides free bike helmets to local children who could not otherwise afford them.

“Not all helmets are created equally,” says Doug.  “Helmets must have the appropriate labels and must stay on the child’s head in the event of a crash, impact, or accident.  That’s why during our visits with local children, the police and I fit each child’s head.  Without the right fit, the helmet cannot do its job — protect the child’s skull, and ultimately the young, still-developing brain.”

“In fact”, continues Doug, “the right fit is so important that we have even replaced helmets kids have grown out of, in cases where the family could not afford to get a new one.   Likewise, at the Reston Triathlon, as a volunteer bike helmet inspector, I have rejected helmets as unsafe where the strap did not work to keep the helmet properly on the child’s head.”

If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective product and there are questions as to what laws apply, email or call Abrams Landau, Ltd. at once (703-796-9555).