Just Wear the Ski Helmet
Bristol Mt., N.Y. – Nick LaSalle’s parents used to make him wear a helmet; now he wouldn’t ski without one.
“At first I didn’t want to wear a helmet, but after falling a bunch of times, it became a way to stay safe,” he said.
The National Ski Areas Association says the number of 18 to 24 year olds who wear helmets has tripled in the past year. Helmet use among all adults is up 12 percent in just a year.
Sue Comstock views a helmet as essential as her ski poles–because she’s also a nurse. “I work in a hospital and I see the results of when you don’t wear a helmet. I’ve seen some very severe head injuries,” she said.
New research, however, suggests that helmets have not had an impact cutting down on fatal accidents.
However, helmets cut the risk of serious brain injuries in half.
That’s why Bristol Mountain recommends that skiers wear helmets, and then ski as if they did not have that protection.
“It’s very important when they’re out there, that they pretend that they don’t have one,” said Dan Fuller of Bristol. “Because it certainly doesn’t protect you from all situations.”
While more adults are getting the helmet safety message, two of every three 18-to-24 year olds still go without helmets. “You’ve just got to go out there and have fun,” Morgan Hoven said. “If you go out there and start worrying and watching yourself that’s when you start getting in accidents.”
It is unusual for people to change habits quickly. Experts say the reason so many have begun to wear helmets is due to a combination of things, one of which is that there have recently been some high profile accidents. Actress Natasha Richardson fell on a bunny slope last year and died. Snowboarding star Kevin Pearce is also recovering from a severe brain injury.
Also, manufacturers are making helmets that look fashionable and are warmer.
SOURCE: http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/Just-Wear-the-Helmet/Xw_6UPipdk6_oBds8Hyi1w.cspx
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