Helmet recall

Vega Helmet Corporation of Tukwila Washington is recalling more than 30,000 XTS Half-Shell motorcycle helmets after testing found that a few did not meet crash protection safety standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said people using the helmets may not be adequately protected in a crash. The recall will start in late January and centers on large, extra-large and extra-extra-large (or XXL) helmets. The models in question were made between May 2011 and last October, according to a notice posted Saturday on the NHTSA's web site.Vega, based in Tukwila, Wash., said it will replace the recalled helmets.

The NHTSA informed Vega that four extra-large helmets didn't meet safety standards when tested earlier this year. The company investigated and found that the helmets fell out of compliance partially due to changes in the model's shell design. Vega told regulators that the helmet's design would be reconfigured immediately.

Tukwila helmet manufacturer, Vega helmets is recalling 30,000 helmets built between 5/11 and 10/12. The company was notified by the The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the helmets did not meet Federal crash standards. The helmets included in the recall are XTS half-shell models in sizes Large, XL and 2X. If you purchased such a Vega helmet after 5/11 you can check the date of manufacture which is noted on a sticker on the inside of the helmet.