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Legislation introduced making ski helmets mandatory for minors

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RudyGarmisch
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http://www.katu.com/outdoors/featured/81981352.html

Story Published: Jan 18, 2010 at 11:46 AM PST

Story Updated: Jan 18, 2010 at 11:46 AM PST

Click for larger image startclickprintexclude endclickprintexclude

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Children taking to the slopes in California would have to take a helmet along under a new law proposed in Sacramento.

California Sen. Leland Yee introduced the bill last week. It would require children under 18 to don a helmet. If they don't, their parents would face a $25 fine.

The San Mateo Democrat says he drafted the bill after seeing a study that showed helmets can cut in half the risk of serious head injuries in children 15 and younger.

The California Ski Industry Association has pledged its support.

At least one lawmaker, however, is opposed. Republican Tom Harman told the Los Angeles Times the bill brings up the question of how far government should go in protecting people from themselves.

The bill is still weeks away from any discussion.


Jan 18 2010 10:37PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
what are they?
Jan 18 2010 11:59PM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
you are putting other people at risk though. for one the ski resort. we live in the age of stupid lawsuit central, the last thing resorts want is another reason for people to sue them.
Jan 19 2010 12:01AM
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geteducated
Posts: 6410 - Karma: 86
tired of the government saving us from ourselves. 
Jan 19 2010 12:03AM
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kthnxbai.
Posts: 2847 - Karma: 179
I agree, having it mandatory is ridiculous.  I don't wear a helmet on days when im cruising around keep it mellow.  When im trying new tricks in the park or out in the BC i will usually wear one though.
Jan 19 2010 12:04AM
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Ian.Ham
Posts: 1687 - Karma: 1,153
There have been at least 3 instances in the last year that i have heard of where people were skiing a green circle, got out of control, hit a tree and died, no helmet.  it wont happen very much but still does happen
Jan 19 2010 12:14AM
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skiminnesota
Posts: 9093 - Karma: 429
who did i put at danger today by not wearing my helmet? (other than myself of course), i looked at the two options i had in front of me, wear a helmet, or not wear one, and i chose not to. i made the choice, and if i had fallen, cracked my head open and lay brain dead the rest of my life then i would have to live wondering (if i had the ability ;) if wearing my helmet could have changed the outcome. but again, i decided i didnt want to wear a helmet today, so i didnt.

if the ski resorts want to mandate helmets i dont care, its their property, (some of the time) and if they will see a drastic improvement of insurance rates, and other things that will come about by requiring helmets, then let them do that.
Jan 19 2010 12:18AM
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Thenowhereman42
Posts: 5682 - Karma: 65
Yeah I mean it certainly happens, I saw a dude break his nose the other day running into a tree. It was pretty funny actually, just because it was seriously the only tree on the whole run and smack bang right in the middle of it and there was no one else around. I have no idea how he pulled it off.

Out of the three points I made the first one was for sure the weakest, I just sort of threw that in there because its my opinion. Well they are all opinions, but you know, whatever.
Jan 19 2010 12:21AM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
i agree in terms of the fact that its not really the governments business. i just have a hard time opposing anything that is encouraging (or i suppose forcing) kids to be safe and wear a helmet.
Jan 19 2010 12:24AM
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charmander
Posts: 10636 - Karma: 370
my slalom skis?

older 165 dynastar omeglass.

$60 with look pivot 18s... good deal
Jan 19 2010 12:27AM
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BShear66
Posts: 79 - Karma: 20
this sounds like a good law. maybe even more enforcable, a $25 fine isn't that huge when you're paying like $250 for a day of skiing for the family.
Jan 19 2010 12:35AM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
Then why don't they make legislation to prevent people from suing for a lack of personal responsibility? Put a bill in there that would protect ski resorts from people's own stupidity. God knows we need laws like that these days. Unfortunately, most of California's lawmakers don't believe in personal responsibility and the age old ideal of accepting the consequences of one's actions (this proposed bill being a perfect case in point).
Jan 19 2010 12:37AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,234
Helmets are safer, there is no disputing that. But to have the government come in and say that everyone has to do it is a little extreme. While I can see where they are coming from and that their intention is good, its A) too hard to regulate and B) too far over the threshold of government vs private control. I personally wear a helmet and think that other people should too, but if you don't, your loss, i can't do anything about it besides warn you.
Jan 19 2010 12:43AM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
as i said, i understand and agree its a case of too much government interference, but i have a hard time opposing something protecting kids


also, as skiminnesota pointed out, some woman got evaced for running into a fence post. what a waste of helicopter resources for something that is INCREDIBLY easy to prevent, just by strapping a piece of plastic to your head. those emergency people are being potentially taken away from a more serious, and less preventable emergency, all because some asshat refuses to wear a helmet.
Jan 19 2010 12:48AM
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steveys
Posts: 268 - Karma: 10
I can just see some pervy guy watching the videos and when confronted giving that study.  Hmmm, there is a NAMBLA, what is the site for guys that like little girls?  (IRC ?? HAHA).  I can post that on their site.
Jan 19 2010 12:59AM
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artrud
Posts: 598 - Karma: 1,471
agree completely

the only benefit to this (and Im going out on a limb here) is that it might keep the insurance costs down for resorts. But for some reason I highly doubt this.
Jan 19 2010 1:00AM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,234
well then you get the 18+ crowd who go unregulated, so not really. unless everyone was required to wear one.
Jan 19 2010 1:06AM
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hewy
Posts: 1355 - Karma: 205
nothing cool about brain injuries and death, helmets for all!
Jan 19 2010 1:18AM
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Static
Posts: 8553 - Karma: 4,089
first slow signs now this?!?!
Jan 19 2010 1:20AM
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Leveroni
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Click for larger image
Jan 19 2010 1:23AM
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ECfreeski3
Posts: 12019 - Karma: 126
even if youre joking, that was retarded
Jan 19 2010 1:32AM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
Likewise, you give some very good points, especially that second one about medical resources; however, I still think the individual should bear the burden of being responsible rather than have some law dictate it, simply because it limits free choice for other people who are completely conscious of their actions. In the case of protecting kids, I'm all for that, I just think parents should do that, not the government. I don't mean to get all politician on this beyotch and try to relate this to some larger problem, but there is a really big issue in this country with people not looking out for themselves and their own interests and trusting the government to protect everything for them. I just think that's wrong. If we don't force parents to become responsible for their children, and thus use their common sense and own good judgement, then how are these kids supposed to learn the same values down the road when they're older? In regards to the second point, I think the solution to situations like that would maybe be for the ski resorts to better warn people of the risks by investing in ad campaigns around the resort or integrating the benefits of using helmets into ski school programs. That way people can make informed decisions about what they want to do.

Anywho, those are just my thoughts. There are obviously other sides to this argument, but ideologies differ and I can see where you or others are coming from.
Jan 19 2010 1:38AM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
as i said, i definitely see both sides to this. and i certainly think a better option than a law would be individual mountains mandating it. for example i know big skys ski school requires helmets now.


i see the side of too much government intervention. i just also hate to see kids not wearing helmets
Jan 19 2010 1:41AM
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jensen
Posts: 2576 - Karma: 1,267
what a horrible blow to personal freedom this would be. telling parents how to do their job and what is right for their kids. what is the world coming to?
Jan 19 2010 2:11AM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
Anyone who supports mandatory helmet laws on ski hills should get a taste of their own medicine, and be fined if they fail to wear a helmet whenever they get in a car (automobile accidents are far and away the #1 cause of traumatic head injuries in the world).
Jan 19 2010 3:25AM
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Blandct
Posts: 1858 - Karma: 37
i bet the helmet companies like this more business to em
Jan 19 2010 3:50AM
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Calb3rt
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Eidola
Jan 19 2010 5:56AM
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dan09uk
Posts: 215 - Karma: 108
its happening in Austria and i think its the law in Italy too
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article5531234.ece
Jan 19 2010 8:32AM
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Mr.Huck
Posts: 6096 - Karma: 14,896
Ben, it's basically the slippery slope.  Where does it stop?  Personally I think that parents who send their kids out skiing in gear that isn't warm enough are dip shits and should be curb stomped.  Do you really want some politician somewhere, who may not even ski, making determinations as to what you wear or what you send your children skiing in?  That's where it would head next, because frost bite and hypothermia are a pretty big deal too and there are lots of studies out there about them.  Does anyone on NS want to be told that they can't wear Tall T's on the hill, because they are usually made of cotton, which is a lousy insulator?  Or maybe they get banned because they are more likely to get snagged on a chairlift or tree branch.  When the government assumes the role of your parent; you lose!
Jan 19 2010 9:43AM
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jeremy.g
Posts: 4931 - Karma: 459
this. thank you. this proposed law has excellent intentions and it is an absolutely idiotic idea not to wear a helmet i dont want a body of authority requiring that i do.
Jan 19 2010 9:52AM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
no i agree. as i said, id much rather see individual mountains mandate it than the law.
Jan 19 2010 10:09AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
Do we require wrist guards as someone mentioned above? How about back protectors? Crash pads? Shoulder pads? These would surely save wrist injuries, back injuries, hip/leg injuries, collar bones, etc. Or how about mandating din settings maxed out at 4 so no one blows an acl/mcl?

I understand the good intentions behind this legislation, but I think that this is a decision that should be left to the parents, or at most, the resorts. The government has absolutely no business here.
Jan 19 2010 10:10AM
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zagfan5
Posts: 2608 - Karma: 144
good thing i'm over 18 and not in california
Jan 19 2010 10:12AM
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wesley.
Posts: 6483 - Karma: 1,049
you = cunt
Jan 19 2010 10:18AM
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DDrem.
Posts: 3552 - Karma: 24
sorry for my ignorance, i didnt read the link or any posts, im in a hurry, but thought id give a little input.
Theres a rail jam at liberty (PA) in honor of some kid who died, "emphasizing" the use of helmets. some gaper posted on their facebook status announcing this event asking "why not just make it a law", to which the mountain man responded saying how "helmets protect the head but increase impact on the neck and back, and if helmets were legalized, something would happen with greater potential for law suit, so it might not happy"
hopefully that was beneficial in typing
Jan 19 2010 12:32PM
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bp.lando
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 1,495
great news for helmet companies!
Jan 19 2010 12:38PM
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xxx
Posts: 27 - Karma: 13
Thats the whole problem with the tram to many BEATERS with fat skis, full face helmets and camel backs!!! I'll take the tram days before fat skis any day, at least the people knew how to ski if they were riding the tram...
Jan 19 2010 1:14PM
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Sveetski
Posts: 572 - Karma: 22
yer in park makes sense, but not on a mellow green run
Jan 19 2010 1:23PM
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flexpattern
Posts: 1090 - Karma: 45
hmmm yeah wearing a lid in the park is legit but imo i always wear a helmet anyway, a) because mine is sicker than any woolly hat i could wear and b) i have in the past been taken out by some noob snowboarder and his edges made contact with my head not pretty, and that was on a mellow green - hence why i always wear a helmet, to protect from others!
Jan 19 2010 1:43PM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
woman died last year hitting her head on the bunny hill. if you are going to be against this, be against it for a valid reason, ie govt intervention. not some bs like this
Jan 19 2010 1:50PM
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PaleCelery
Posts: 7228 - Karma: 609
That picture isnt going to help their cause
Jan 19 2010 1:59PM
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tride
Posts: 1038 - Karma: 26
People die every year from tripping and hitting their heads on sidewalks, curbs, nightclub floors, etc. a lot more often than people dying from falls on bunny hills. Way to let one sensationalized celebrity tragedy completely cloud any sense of reason.
Jan 19 2010 2:05PM
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JeffNH
Posts: 70 - Karma: 10
Everyone in this thread who is angry is <18
Jan 19 2010 2:18PM
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Ben.
Posts: 21463 - Karma: 683
youd make an excellent politician dude.
Jan 19 2010 2:33PM
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Uncle.Badness
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Spoken like a true pokemon trainer.
Jan 19 2010 4:50PM
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FattyPLankers
Posts: 68 - Karma: 12
Its really not that difficult to put on a helmet. Natasha Richardson is a perfect example, she didn't wear a helmet and died. There could be numerous reasons why she wasnt wearing a helmet, unforunately they are insignificant at this point.
Jan 19 2010 5:30PM
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everyone
Posts: 63 - Karma: 13

california legislators protecting their older siblings

glad i don't live in that state, goin downhill fast

Jan 19 2010 5:33PM
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Rudy.
Posts: 441 - Karma: 24
i think that this would be too much effort. a lot of people already wear helmets and if i didn't i would just buy a helmet so i didn't have to take a test.
Jan 19 2010 6:05PM
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Mr.Huck
Posts: 6096 - Karma: 14,896
Your Icon makes me lol. 

I still can't figure out why some think it's good to have arbitrary people create laws designed to compel you to do stuff that they say is good for you.  Helmets are probably a good idea, but the same folks who are coming up with this plan would like you to eat less trans fat, take your vitamins regularly, eat fiber, don't smoke, don't drink, etc, etc.  Did we elect these people because we thought we were too fucking stupid to decide what was safe or not?  If you think this law makes sense, you are basically saying " I have an IQ of 10 and have no idea how to take care of myself. Please Mr or Mrs Politician, you are so wise. Please tell me what I should do to keep myself safe and healthy every day".  Laws are to protect your rights and the rights of others; not to protect you from yourself. 
Jan 19 2010 6:22PM
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Thenowhereman42
Posts: 5682 - Karma: 65
I'm 21.
Jan 19 2010 6:23PM
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TRSkier415
Posts: 137 - Karma: 71
I'm 18, almost 19. I just think it's wrong.
Jan 19 2010 8:29PM
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