No Ski Helmet in NJ or CA? Get our your wallet.
California and New Jersey are leading the charge for Ski Helmet Legislation this summer and fall as both states move forward on their proposed laws for mandatory use of Ski Helmets by kids under the age of 18. The California Assembly just passed Senate Bill 880 a week or so ago by a vote of 42 to 20. The bill is currently awaiting a Senate vote on Assembly amendments.
New Jersey is also making great progress on their bill (S130). The legislation is very similar to the California bill and was passed with a staggering 33-2 vote. Once again, this bill is now waiting for approval from the State Assembly.
Both bills would require children 17 and under to wear a ski helmet while skiing on any California or New Jersey slopes. Fines will range from $25 for first offenses all the way up to $100 if caught again being unsafe. One of the finer points that we at SkiHelmets.org applaud in both of these bills is the fact that the penalties (fines) for non-compliance is not only for parent and legal guardians, but for any supervising adult, which we assume means schools, church groups, travel groups etc. There truly are No More Excuses in these two states (assuming that both bills will eventually pass).
This news is fantastic news in our opinion but it does make us ask some additional questions. For example, who were the 20 people who opposed the vote in California? Did they fall prey to the lobbyists from Ski Associations? Do they not want to make skiing and snowboarding a safer sport? We know that there is massive debate on the safety of ski helmets, but in the end it has never been proven that Ski Helmets are not as safe and we have seen countless reports demonstrating that Ski helmets are safer in many situations. We know that ski helmets are not going to prevent fatalities on the slopes. Skiing and Snowboarding are dangerous. It’s a fact. Just like driving a car. The idea of not wearing a helmet to us is about a absurd as driving a race car without a seat belt. It’s just plain stupid. (please feel free to comment away below, we know there will be LOTS of opinions on that last statement.)
We are curious to know what kind of accommodations will be made for people that are not able to wear a ski helmet. While there may not be many, we have seen heads that are honestly too large to fit in even the biggest ski helmet as well as people that have medical issues (like cochlear implants) that prevent wearing ski helmets. So far, we have not seen those issues addressed in these bills though we are sure it will come up in the news eventually.
Additionally, we are very curious as to why states like Colorado have not taken such bold and progressive action. When we think of skiing, our minds immediately move to Colorado and their rich powder days and crisp blue skies. Why has Colorado been so quiet about this movement? It might be time to write your senators if you live in CO and ask them why they are waiting so long to take action. Colorado should be leading this charge, it’s a shame they haven’t jumped in this game yet.
Congratulations to both California and New Jersey for your progressive and public safety focused efforts. We applaud you from SkiHelmets.org.
Loading ...
How ironic it is to me that the argument for abortion is that it is the woman’s right to choose what she does with her body? That being said, if it is in fact a person’s right to do with their body how they choose – and assuming that choice does not harm another individual – who are YOU to tell them they must wear a helmet? or a seatbelt for that matter. Is that person taking an unnecessary risk? HELL YES! But I will fight to the death to allow them to make it. Please stop the government intervention and let people live their lives.
Hot topic!! What do you think?
3 
5
Let people make their own decisions. If you want to wear a helmet please do so. Don’t try and force yourself on the rest of us.
What do you think of this comment? Tell Us!
2 
1
Jason, you make a poor argument. Abortion affects two lives. Not using a helmet affects only one life.
Hot topic!! What do you think?
2 
2
You all are missing the point. You don’t wear a helmet for when you fall, you wear a helmet for when someone runs into you. Spend as much time as I do on the slops and you will get run into.
What do you think of this comment? Tell Us!
0 
1
No Ski Helmet in NJ or CA? Get our your wallet.
In response to Scot’s comment.
Just keep in mind, brain injuries will affect everyone in that person’s life as well. Spouse, children, parents, grand parents, aunts, uncles, etc. They may need rehabilitation, may never regain their independence, may be in severe pain indefinitely, etc. Brain Injuries Suck! Helmets help avoid them. It is that simple.
Take care.
Safe, healthy and happy holidays to Everyone!
Most Visitors agree with this comment so far. Your Thoughts?
3 
0
I’m against mandating helmets, except for children under 18. We have enough Gov’t control and we don’t need to lose more of our personal freedoms. This is a choice. Some days, I ski with a helmet, other days I don’t. I consider myself a good enough skier to not get into such trouble that I cannot recover.
Also, a helmet is not going to save you if you are skiing fast. If your skiing 30+mph and you come into contact with a fixed obsticle (tree, pole, rock, house..whatever) that helmet will not save you. They aren’t rated for those speeds.
My 2 cents.
What do you think of this comment? Tell Us!
1 
0
I agree with some of the readers who think of others beyond themselves. If I were to accidentally run into a child and that helmet saved them from injury, it’s worth it. The laws are to protect the children. 1. from potential accidents and 2. from parents who feel they do not need protection on the slopes.
If you ride a bicycle in NJ under 18, you have to wear a helmut. I am just a smidge older than 18 as in add 30 years and I will never go out without a helmet. Why? Because some feel the gov. should not interfere with their right to text and not wear a seat belt while driving. I wear helmets to protect me from you.
NJ just passed the law, It is now mandatory for children 18 and under to wear a helmut skiing or snowboarding (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillsByNumber.asp) enter S130.
What do you think of this comment? Tell Us!
0 
0