Opposition Leader and Shadow Transport Minister Kim Swan has congratulated the Road Safety Council on its recent helmet exchange initiative.

The campaign group offered a 20 percent discount on new helmets on Friday, July 16, for those handing in their old ones.

According to the Road Safety Council, helmets should be replaced if they have been involved in a crash, if they have been dropped, have cracks or dents or are more than two to four years old.

The result was that 106 old helmets were handed in, to be replaced by new ones.

The Road Safety Council later posted a video on the YouTube website, showing the old helmets piled up outside City Hall.

Mr. Swan said yesterday: "With a few weeks left in summer, it is important for us to remain safe on the roads.

"I congratulate the Road Safety Council on the release of the YouTube video further promoting the helmet exchange initiative, which resulted in more than 100 people exchanging inferior helmets for safer helmets.

"This initiative together with encouraging motorists to tightly fasten their helmets ensures the best chance to reduce head injuries in the event of an accident."

Mr. Swan added: "I also want to take the opportunity to encourage the Police to set up checkpoints at strategic locations to reduce driving under the influence. Such actions can help change the mindset of those who make the roads unsafe for others."