California is looking to crack down on youthful skiers and snowboarders, by requiring minors to wear helmets when they engage in both those sports. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i3mSQTOwvBo-4TsKKXQ72RM0u7RQD9EEVGOG0
Democratic lawmakers from Northern California have introduced two bills mandating the helmets for minors. One of the proposed laws would also set new requirements for resorts, making them do detailed reporting on injuries, post signs and do special safety planning.
California, known for its progressiveness, isn’t the first state looking to enact laws on helmets for skiers. Legislators in New York and New Jersey also have various bills pending that require skiers to wear helmets.
In contrast, despite the tragic death of actress Natasha Richardson last year after she sustained brain trauma while skiing in Canada, Quebec considered but then never went on to pass a ski helmet law.
More and more skiers and snowboarders are already using helmets, without being told to do so by the law. About 48 percent of skiers and snowboarders used helmets during the 2007-2008 season, according to a survey by the National Ski Areas Association that was cited by the Associated Press.
But these laws sound like good ideas to us, to protect those who are too foolish to protect themselves by donning helmets.