In light of the recent tragic death of actress Natasha Richardson after a minor ski accident, many people are questioning the safety of one of our country’s most popular winter sports. It is very true that skiing comes with inherent safety risks, but so do many other sports. Each year, hundreds of people suffer broken bones, back injuries, mild brain injuries (concussions), and knee injuries on the ski slopes. Yet, it is rare that these injuries are ever life threatening, and the majority of injured skiers come back for more as soon as their injuries have healed.
Natasha Richardson’s death from a traumatic brain injury caused by a ski fall was certainly a freak accident, not the norm for skiers. She could have sustained that injury just as easily riding her bicycle, slipping and falling on ice, participating in a martial arts class, or playing contact sports such as football. Yet because it happened on the ski slopes, legislators across the country now feel the need to meddle in the good time of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey is currently lobbying for legislation that will make helmets mandatory for skiers under the age of 14. While wearing a ski helmet is certainly a prudent way to cut back on the risks associated with skiing, the decision to wear one should be left to the individual skier.
As a longtime skier and former resident of a major ski resort town, I am well aware of the risks associated with the sport, and I personally wear a helmet every time I go out on the slopes. However, I also support the rights of others to choose not to wear them if they prefer.
So long as you understand the risks associated with skiing without a helmet, you should be able to take those risks if you choose. Part of the charm of the sport is the fact that skiers and snowboarders get to assert their individuality through their fashion and style on the mountain. By requiring all skiers to wear helmets, you will be limiting this self expression on the slopes.
Despite the sentiments of this message, I do support the wearing of ski helmets, and I think it is a good idea for all skiers to wear them. I have many friends that take serious risks on the mountain and it blows me away that they do not wear a helmet. But I support their decision to take these risks in their own way. That is part of the sport.
If you have suffered a brain injury in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, please contact the Law Offices of Carr & Carr today to schedule a consultation.
