Nova Scotia has become what's believed to be the only geographic region in the world to legally enforce the wearing of ski helmets on the slopes of its three small ski areas.
The Eastern Canadian province introduced the law this winter as we previously reported it intended to. Other than the fact that the proposal has become law, the previously unknown fact of the penalty for non compliance has also become known – a $250 (Cdn) fine (about £156).
"It's a world-first, designed to keep our noggins safer on Nova Scotia's ski and snowboard hills. Brain injuries are the leading cause of death among skiers and snowboarders of all ages, and helmet use reduces the severity of injury by up to 60%," says a Nova Scotia government statement.
Anyone aged over 16 is responsible for their own helmet, parents or guardians are responsible to ensure anyone under 16 in their care is wearing a helmet.
Elsewhere in the world laws on helmet wearing are increasingly complex and fragmented, but countries including France and Italy and some regions in Austria and elsewhere insist children wear ski helmets on the slopes.
Some ski resorts, particularly larger destination resorts in North America, require their staff and people taking ski lessons to wear helmets too.
There's now an official site about the Nova Scotia law: www.helmetmatch.com