The Ski Helmet Debate

pavelski wrote:May I add my observations on issue !

First
Can we agree that we should use "facts", data that is consistent, correct, reliable in order to make an informed decision.
If so,,the incidental "personal" incidents should not be used to generalized for all skiing situations!

Second
Can we agree that we should collect skiing data on world wide skiing accidents and determine causes,,then find solutions!

Third
Can we be consistent, coherent in or "safety" decisions.



Let me start with the last point.
If you are concerned about skiing safety,,,your skiing safety then by all means "protect yourself" ! Look at figures.
40% of injuries are in the core body areas. Chest and back! Thus wear spine plastic protection and chest plates.
30% of skiing injuries are in the wrist / thumb area. Thus wear gloves with metal thang in wrist area.
10 % of skiing injuries are in the knee area. Thus wear plastic knee protection
3-4 % of skiing injuries are in the head area . Thus wear a full face ( nose protection) helmet!

Before any skier makes a decision about helmet they should explore sites that deal with ski safety on a "professional" basis such as sites for government regulations, physician/patroller safety sites etc,,,
In my opinion the worst place to find information about helmet use is; ski company sites, stores and media.

The first point is the key element of all ski helmet debate. The issue is not should one choose to wear a helmet but should helmets while skiing be a mandatory part of skiing. Many persons do feel that this should be the case!
The reasons they use is;
-high profile skiing accident cases
-store marketing information
etc,,,

In my opinion this is a personal choice and should remain so.

I do observe that skiers are not consistent in their "safety" concerns while skiing. Yes they will wear a helmet but;
-no spine protection
-no chest protection
-no wrist protection
-no face protection
-drink at lunch then ski
-not take lessons
-ski in slopes above their ability level
-not exercise before skiing
-etc,,,,

*** One small note! There are more persons who have accidents ( requiring hospital visits) in spas than while skiing! Think about this!

There are more head injuries to males ( 28-27 ) in "social" situations such as in bars, street conflicts than while skiing.

Can we agree that presently no data justifies collective world wide mandatory use of helmets!

If you look up the past 10 years statistics of "head injuries" while skiing,,,it has not gone up or down !


The solution!

That will come!

Pavel

Hudman wrote:Oh god, please let's not get this one started again!

Some of us are going to wear helmets, some aren't. It's all down to personal preference and how many wooly hats you've got.

Oh you could start a huge thread extolling the virtues of head protection of the non bobble kind....