Should ski helmets be compulsory?

news.bbc. ^

[JoeProBono]

The death of Natasha Richardson has sparked a debate about whether it should be mandatory for skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets. There's been a sharp rise in the number of people wearing helmets after several high-profile ski accidents this winter and some compulsion has already come in. However, the medical evidence is not conclusive and it's not thought any widespread compulsion is imminent in the Alps.

[Osage Orange]

Hard core.........

[Styria]

Are you sure that’s not a picture of them fighting the Soviets?

[Carling]

If that would make you feel better about yourself, then I’ll look you up the next time I visit Virginia. However, I’m guessing you wouldn’t be too happy with the results.

[MarkeyD]

I guy was killed here in Boise a few years back after he collided with a tree with his chest. Stopped his heart.

[Osage Orange]

Dude....where do you get these rubes to pose for you?

: )

[Carling]

Bingo. That’s my point.

[Isabel C.]

It won’t be long before somebody pushes for legislation that requires us to wear helmets while driving our cars. Maybe we should just wear helmets 24/7 and be done with it.

[Carling]

I'm sorry if I upset you. I spend a lot of time on the mountain, and I have strong opinions about gapers wearing a hat on backwards over a safety helmet.

[WayneS]

Whatever you say.

[WayneS]

I’m sure a helmet would have helped him out immensely!

[Carling]

You're the person (oddly) wanting to challenge a stranger to an IQ duel for simply stating an opinion on FreeRepublic. It's obvious that my opinion triggered a defensive reaction from you. Why is that?

[Tallguy]

My friend & ski partner began wearing a helmet this year. His choice. He is afraid of losing time at work due to a ‘preventable’ injury. I might make the same decision in a year or 2 when my skills begin to decline. I’m pretty honest with myself on that score.

[theymakemesick]

Yes, absolutely. And we should never be allowed to go barefoot, walk around the block without walking gloves and kneepads, probably ought to require a walking helmet also. You should not be allowed to paint the bedroom without pulling a permit and never ever be allowed to ride dangerous two wheeled vehicles. Oh, outlaw skates and skateboards altogether. Heck, just outlaw skiing and the whole problem goes away. /da$# nannies

[WayneS]

Actually, you are the one who disparaged the intelligence (not the judgement, the INTELLIGENCE) of strangers on FR because some of them may choose to not wear plastic buckets on their heads when engaging in certain activities.

Most people are capable of rationally discussing the pros and cons of helmet use without resorting to personal insult. You do not appear to be one of those people.

[Eagle Eye]

I’m not upset.

Opinions are like ..... Everyone has one and the other guy’s usually stinks.

But your assertion that something that is done safely millions more times than not is absurd and puts into doubt your understanding of the word reckless.

[Eagle Eye]

What a reckless moron!

He shoulda wore chest protection!

[beandog]

During an exercise class recently a 15 pound bar fell on a woman’s head while she was on the floor. Ambulance had to be called. It could have killed her. I guess we should make people who exercise wear helmets.

I have seem many similar accidents like this. Gyms are dangerous places. :)

[Carling]

I've been on a ski patrol in my younger days, witnessed first hand one death when I wasn't patrolling (but assisted with the aftermath), and have assisted with dozens of concussions while on patrol. Only one time was a concussed person wearing a helmet; every other time no helmet was involved. That you would not talk about concussions tells me you probably don't know much about the risks of alpine skiing.

So, for me, not wearing a helmet is reckless behavior. I feel the same way about people who don't wear seatbelts and those who don't wear helmets on a motorcycle or a bike.

Perhaps it is you who does not understand the word?

reckless:

Heedless or careless.
Headstrong; rash.
Indifferent to or disregardful of consequences: a reckless driver

[Carling]

Exactly the same thing. /sar

[Mashood]

When we leave our homes, we should be wearing our helmets. You just never know.