Under a new law proposed last week in Sacramento, children hitting the slopes would have to take a helmet along. The bill, introduced by California Sen. Leland Yee, would require children under 18 to wear a helmet.
The California Ski Industry Association has already pledged his support. Most major resorts recommend already recommend all skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets.
Not all lawmakers support the bill, however. Republican Tom Harman told the LA Times the bill raises the question of how far government should go in protecting people from themselves. The bill is still weeks away from discussion in Sacramento.
Studies show that wearing helmets can greatly reduce the risk of serious brain injuries in children ages 15 and under. Today's ski helmets are inexpensive, warm, comfortable and effective. They provide an extra degree of protection, and seriously reduce the risk of permanent brain damage in a collision with another skiier, tree, or other fixed object.
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