California lawmaker proposes ski helmet law
This guy has all the gear -- including a helmet. (Colorado Ski Country photo)
Interesting blog post here: http://sanfrancisco.injuryboard.com/head-and-brain-injuries/new-ski-helmet-bill-proposed-in-california-as-a-way-to-prevent-a-fatal-head-injury.aspx?googleid=277028
The rundown is there is a state legislator in California who is proposing a law that would require helmets for skiers and snowboarders under age 18. It is modeled after a similar law that requires helmets for kids riding bicycles.
We’ve all been down the path of mandatory motorcycle laws. It makes total sense, but many bikers resist it. Same is true of skiers and snowboarders. But that fact remains that skiers and boarders are trying new, more difficult and higher-speed moves that are inherently risky. And if you remember from last year, a famous model died during ski lessons from a routine fall — made worse by the fact that she was not wearing a helmet.
I used to ski without one. I’m a convert. There’s plenty of information out there that shows helmet use can reduce traumatic head injuries significantly. More ski states should consider what that California lawmaker is proposing, and hopefully the rest of the California Assembly sees the wisdom of it.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. Protect that noggin!
Bob Doucette
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Protect your noggin if you engage is such dangerous activities, but don’t tell me that ordinary skiing is a dangerous activity. IT IS NOT! I just want to go skiing and be left alone. Those who want to do all this crazy jumping and rails are ruining what is a peaceful activity for many people. I will resist this crazy notion that because of a few pumped up individuals, everyone should wear a helmet to go out and enjoy some fresh air and scenery on the ski slopes.
Don’t tell me what I do is a dangerous activity and don’t tell our kids that either. There is a side of skiing that is being overlooked here, and I wish that more kids would join the peaceful side of the sport, instead of being forced into the combat zone, by making them wear helmets.