Use of ski helmets, metal bats may be regulated by government
Publisher’s note: This editorial is from the April 2, 2010, Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Two safety-related bills now making their way through the state Legislature are being viewed as either examples of exemplary caution or inexplicable nannyism.
While we understand the sentiment of those wanting to protect free choice, we see these bills — one we support and one we oppose — as examples of legislators acting with legitimate concern, not acting like Mary Poppins.
The first is Senate Bill 880 by state Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, which would require minors to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding. The legislation is in response to the many head injuries that occur due to collisions on the slopes involving skiers and/or snowboarders. At the main trauma center in Lake Tahoe, doctors report seeing at least one a day. A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 53 percent of the ski and snowboard injuries suffered by children under 15 could have been prevented or would have been less severe had they been wearing a helmet.
“Parents have said they would appreciate the backing of state law in directing their children to wear a helmet. . .”
If you need a state law to make your child obey your directives, you have a serious problem and consequently, so will society. BE A PARENT. Have requirements for your children so they survive and learn. It’s your job.
The United States Ski Association, they are the ones that govern all USSA events both local and national, just informed us that next year all helmets will conform to their standards. They must comply by having a sticker inside stating that they are safety compliant and approved. We have been required to wear helmets for years and they have saved many a kid from serious concussions due to the advancement of their tricks. This is a good thing.