Ski Helmet Safety, Part I

Air Date: 3/3/2003

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Facts

• According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign wearing a snug helmet properly can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 88 percent. Make sure your child wears their helmet correctly – centered on top of their head and always with the straps buckled. Children who wear their helmets tipped back have a 52 percent greater risk of head injury than those who wear their helmets properly.
  
• A study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that helmets could protect against 44 percent of head injuries among all skiers and boarders and up to 53 percent of those head injuries among children up to age 15.

Considerations

• Many ski hills will not allow anyone to enter a terrain park without a helmet, adults included.  
• We are all aware of the need to wear a helmet when riding a bike and some winter activities present just as much, if not more, of a risk of head injury.  
• Children are at the greatest risk of a severe head injury from skiing or snowboarding.  
• Children today are more accustomed to wearing helmets for many activities, like biking, in-line skating, hockey.  
• Studies have shown that helmets can prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries during skiing and snowboarding, as well as other winter activities.
• Wearing a helmet can save your life.

Helmet Safety Tips

• Wear helmets that are specifically designed for the activity you are participating in.
• Helmets should be comfortable and well fitting, with straps snug to prevent movement of the helmet. When purchasing helmets, have them fitted.  
• Helmets that have been involved in an accident or fall, are cracked or old should be replaced.

Your Responsibility Code

Skiing can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers the responsibility for a great skiing experience.

• Always stay in control.
• People ahead of you have the right of way.
• Stop in a safe place for you and others.
• Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
• Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
• Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
• Know how to use the lifts safely.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.

Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

Additional Resources

National Ski Patrol

National Ski Areas Association

 

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720