If Livingston Police Give Your Kid A Ticket, It May Be A Good Thing

LIVINGSTON, NJ — In a bike accident, helmets reduce head injuries by 50 percent or more, studies have found, and the Livingston Police Department is doing its part to encourage kids to wear them.

It's also New Jersey state law that people under 18 wear a helmet when on a bicycle.

The local police noted on Facebook last week that they've begun a campaign to reward kids they see wearing their helmets.

"Officers Savino Balducci, Jalessa LaSure, and Matthew DeBiasse are showing what safe bicycle riders can earn!" says the post.

They and their colleagues will be giving out coupons for Slurpee drinks at 7-Eleven now through this summer, if they see a kid wearing a helmet while on a bike.

Now, that's cool.

The initiative is part of 7-Eleven's Operation Chill, which is in its 27th year.

"In addition to recognizing great kids, Operation Chill provides opportunities for officers to establish a positive connection with kids in their neighborhood," notes the company.

Officers in the national program may also reward kids who they see picking up litter or another good deed.

For other recent police news in Livingston, click here. Got a news tip in Livingston? Write us here.

Don't miss out on Livingston news. Get a free morning newsletter with news in Livingston or any New Jersey town: https://patch.com/subscribe