Should helmets be required?

[jerzy42]

Have to write a paper for my college writing paper about this topic. Thought this would be the best place to get real skiers reaction and opinions to this topic. let me know what you guys think and why, I personally have mixed feelings so don't feel like I am judging any of your responses

 

[a_burger]

no

 

[.CJ.]

I think it should be no, because people can do what they want. And if they want to take that risk they can. Just like riding a bike.

 

[270on420out]

Nothing should be required in a sport were one is free to express themselves

 

[snowpocalypse]

Don't Tread On Me

 

[Wheat]

imagine theres no heaven

 

[ModMommy]

No. Unless you're employed by the resort, you shouldn't be forced to follow a dress code of sorts.

 

[PeppermillReno]

Not in general.

But there would be nothing wrong with industry wide it being mandated for pros in films as well as comps...or if a resort had really dangerous terrain and they made you wear one to enter it stuff like that is fine if its justified.

 

[amieastcoastyet]

Yes and No. Like everyone said here before and its your right not to where one. But honestly in my opinion Yes. If i didn't wear a helmet i'd be either dead or have serious head problems.

 

[snowpocalypse]

Not in general.

But there would be nothing wrong with industry wide it being mandated for pros in films as well as comps...or if a resort had really dangerous terrain and they made you wear one to enter it stuff like that is fine if its justified.

Bull shit, That's like the porn industry regulating all male actors use rubbers. Nobody wants to see that shit. Now, a governing body such a USASA or the Freeski Tour can say people competing in their sanctioned event have to wear them but not the whole industry. Personal responsibility people.

 

[Parks.]

Nothing should be required in a sport were one is free to express themselves

 

[dyyylan]

Bull shit, That's like the porn industry regulating all male actors use rubbers. Nobody wants to see that shit. Now, a governing body such a USASA or the Freeski Tour can say people competing in their sanctioned event have to wear them but not the whole industry. Personal responsibility people.

The problem with this is that pros, or pornstars, whichever industry you're talking about, influence people. Part of being a pro is being an ambassador for the sport and the industry, and if kids see their favorite pros (or pornstars) not wearing protection, they may think that is the norm or what is "cool". These days, almost everyone wears a helmet, and it's seen as "normal". Unless a newbie comes into the sport with opinions elsewhere... for example a skateboarder might not want to wear a helmet because they don't need one while skating (since concrete is so much softer than snow, your head just bounces right off of it when you fall).

 

[theabortionator]

You have to right a paper based off what you feel about the issue not what I'm telling you.

It literally doesn't matter what side you pick as long as you back it up with solid reasons. Even if you think helmets are stupid you could argue for them and still get a good grade.

It really isn't that complicated is it?

 

[CashForToast]

You have to right a paper based off what you feel about the issue not what I'm telling you.

It literally doesn't matter what side you pick as long as you back it up with solid reasons. Even if you think helmets are stupid you could argue for them and still get a good grade.

It really isn't that complicated is it?

I just hate that about school, if you write an opinionated paper, fighting for the way your teacher see's it, 100%. If your like me and dont see eye to eye with many of your teachers... Your fucking failing those classes.

 

[theabortionator]

I just hate that about school, if you write an opinionated paper, fighting for the way your teacher see's it, 100%. If your like me and dont see eye to eye with many of your teachers... Your fucking failing those classes.

Either you aren't writing good papers, not backing up your stance, or your teachers are idiots. Check the first before purchasing your jump to conclusions mat.

In a sense treat it like a debate. Almost make an argument or an outline for the other side/sides. Figure out their strong points and then counter it from the side you chose. If you can crush all the reasons to go with the other option, and support the shit out of the one you chose, it's ding ding ding we have a winner land.

 

[Lus146]

The park at one of my favorite places requires helmets and it is really uncrowded which is nice for us helmet wearers. I can see the arguments for both sides but I think that helmets should be required. It just encourages safety and even though we do dumb shit at least we aren't gonna hit out heads on a rail too hard. I don't see why people still don't wear helmets honestly. Probably gonna get a lot of flack but whatever. I mean helmets aren't out of style for skiers so it's not like you won't look cool, you can't feel the breeze in your hair because it is cold and you should have a hat on. It's your decision but like I don't get why you wouldn't want to wear a helmet.

 

[theabortionator]

The park at one of my favorite places requires helmets and it is really uncrowded which is nice for us helmet wearers. I can see the arguments for both sides but I think that helmets should be required. It just encourages safety and even though we do dumb shit at least we aren't gonna hit out heads on a rail too hard. I don't see why people still don't wear helmets honestly. Probably gonna get a lot of flack but whatever. I mean helmets aren't out of style for skiers so it's not like you won't look cool, you can't feel the breeze in your hair because it is cold and you should have a hat on. It's your decision but like I don't get why you wouldn't want to wear a helmet.

Supporting helmet usage and pushing for mandatory helmet requirements aren't the same thing. I've been wearing a helmet for years. I wear a seatbelt when I'm in a car. That said I think helmet and seatbelt laws are retarded.

This is where we've gone wrong as a society. People are incapable of making there own choices. It's not illegal to drink your own piss but do you? Okay I do as well, maybe that was a bad example but you get the point.

The only real argument for mandatory helmets IMO is by the resorts to curb liability. These days with people so ready to sue everyone it's always an ongoing battle.

I'm going to eat some ice cream right now. If only it was illegal so I would eat some vegetables instead.

 

[rob.howard.7965]

I think it should be no, because people can do what they want. And if they want to take that risk they can. Just like riding a bike.

Haha wearing a helmet is required by law whilst riding a bike in Victoria, Australia.

 

[Miomo]

IMO, laws which limit self-harm and risk are pointless and counter-productive. Wear your seatbelt/helmet if you want to, not because the law tells you to. I can't really see an argument against that, especially with an age-restriction in place, such as anyone younger than 18 must. Counter to that, I think drug laws are necessary, although I'm very much on the fence and haven't gone over any points internally. But i digress.

There's a good reason seatbelt/helmet requirements are pointless, though:

 

[freeskibum82]

i think people need to take brain injury more seriously. wear a helmet in the park and the woods is a must and its a great idea to just wear it all the time. people saying no having had a concussion yet..

 

[Nikolaus]

if people want to be stupid and increase their chances of dying, let them. our planet is overpopulated anyways.

 

[theabortionator]

IMO, laws which limit self-harm and risk are pointless and counter-productive. Wear your seatbelt/helmet if you want to, not because the law tells you to. I can't really see an argument against that, especially with an age-restriction in place, such as anyone younger than 18 must. Counter to that, I think drug laws are necessary, although I'm very much on the fence and haven't gone over any points internally. But i digress.

You start off good but then say you think drug laws are necessary? LOL WUT?

If heroin wasn't illegal would you use it tomorrow? Probably not. Why the fuck would you support drug laws? The only thing the war on drugs has succeed in doing is making assholes rich, getting lots of people killed, helping people OD, and giving us a nice market for research chemicals. Lovely.

The war on drugs doesn't even work. People are still doing drugs they will always be doing drugs. People have been getting fucked up as long as they've been on the earth. The war on drugs wastes 40+ billion, incarcerates non violent offenders, turns some places into fucking war zones, and hasn't stopped people from using drugs.

When even marijuana is illegal you know your country is in a rough spot. We need to go through and get rid of all the bullshit legislation, get rid of all the wasteful spending, and severely scale back the government.

The idea of not changing things because "that's the way it's been" is senseless. We're doomed anyway so it doesn't really matter but still.

Hearing people say say the support the drug war makes me wut so hard.

/rant.

 

[dyyylan]

IMO, laws which limit self-harm and risk are pointless and counter-productive. Wear your seatbelt/helmet if you want to, not because the law tells you to. I can't really see an argument against that

The problem is that there are a lot of stupid people who make bad decisions.

Having a law makes it a non-decision for most people, because no one wants to get a ticket. And it doesn't really inconvenience non-idiots, because there is no reason to not wear a seatbelt in a car, it's not like you can get up and walk around while driving somewhere.

Wearing a helmet is pretty similar, there isn't really any reason to not wear one. There's so many shapes and designs that you can find one that is comfortable, and it keeps you warm as well. It's not like they're out of style any more either, since most people wear one.

That said, it's still a different case and shouldn't be mandatory. I don't think the amount of skiing injuries that could be prevented by a helmet are anywhere near the amount of lives saved from wearing a seatbelt. If you crash on skis, a helmet may or may not help you. If you crash in a car, a seatbelt WILL help you not get injured in virtually any circumstance. So, not really comparable.

 

[danncphedran]

Nothing should be required in a sport were one is free to express themselves

Exactly

 

[theabortionator]

The problem is that there are a lot of stupid people who make bad decisions.

Having a law makes it a non-decision for most people, because no one wants to get a ticket. And it doesn't really inconvenience non-idiots, because there is no reason to not wear a seatbelt in a car, it's not like you can get up and walk around while driving somewhere.

Wearing a helmet is pretty similar, there isn't really any reason to not wear one. There's so many shapes and designs that you can find one that is comfortable, and it keeps you warm as well. It's not like they're out of style any more either, since most people wear one.

That said, it's still a different case and shouldn't be mandatory. I don't think the amount of skiing injuries that could be prevented by a helmet are anywhere near the amount of lives saved from wearing a seatbelt. If you crash on skis, a helmet may or may not help you. If you crash in a car, a seatbelt WILL help you not get injured in virtually any circumstance. So, not really comparable.

It's a slippery slope when you start getting a government in full on nanny mode.

Should it be illegal to eat shitty food? Should it be illegal to not exercise if you're fat? Should it be illegal to show up late for work?

I'm not even trying to think of epic examples just saying where do you stop. It isn't the governments job to make laws regarding what I do with my body. An adult should be able to not wear a seat belt, not wear a helmet, do drugs, go bridge jumping etc. Are those things dangerous? sure but you're only harming yourself, and it sure as hell isn't the governments responsibility to deal with that.

Hell, we can't even maintain a halfway decent economy here. Cut the bullshit and focus on things like that.

 

[yungsteeze]

Any law that restricts you from doing something that doesn't harm anybody else is stupid and unconstitutional

 

[McRib]

I personally think that they shouldn't be required but I don't know you wouldn't wear one...I mean better safe that sorry

 

[RudyGarmisch]

If Mom tells you to wear one, you should. As soon as her credit card stops paying for your livelihood, you get to decide for yourself.

 

[steezy_doge]

real skiing on real mountains with real skis

sorry i had to you said real skiers so yeahhh

 

[Mr.Bishop]

That said I think helmet and seatbelt laws are retarded.

I'm 100% with you.

I think that as long as you aren't fucking someone else's life up, then more power to you to fuck up your own if you so choose.

 

[dyyylan]

It's a slippery slope when you start getting a government in full on nanny mode.

Should it be illegal to eat shitty food? Should it be illegal to not exercise if you're fat? Should it be illegal to show up late for work?

I'm not even trying to think of epic examples just saying where do you stop. It isn't the governments job to make laws regarding what I do with my body. An adult should be able to not wear a seat belt, not wear a helmet, do drugs, go bridge jumping etc. Are those things dangerous? sure but you're only harming yourself, and it sure as hell isn't the governments responsibility to deal with that.

Hell, we can't even maintain a halfway decent economy here. Cut the bullshit and focus on things like that.

No, it's not a slippery slope because there is a very big distinction with all of those other things you said and a seatbelt law. There is no argument for not wearing a seatbelt while driving, it doesn't prevent you from doing anything other than not dying in a collision. If a seatbelt restrains your movement so much that you can't do something, that's probably something you should pull over to do, because it's going to put your life and possibly others' lives in danger. Simple - no downside, many many upsides.

I'm not for requiring helmets, but I'm not against it, either. It probably doesn't need to be a law, but if a place (skatepark, ski resort, whatever) wants you to wear one, that's up to them. Wearing one is a good idea anyway so there isn't really a legitimate argument against it - just wear it.

 

[GrahamGould]

I think you're an idiot if you don't ski with a helmet, but It's no one's decision but your own. It would be rediculous to keep people from skiing because they don't wear helmets

 

[corona]

That said I think helmet and seatbelt laws are retarded.

helmet laws are one thing, since it really and truly only affects the person whose decision it is, but saying seat belt laws are retarded is retarded.

If there are multiple people in a vehicle that gets into an accident then if one person isn't wearing a seat belt they dramatically increase the chance of injury or death for the other passengers by being a hundred or two hundred pound sack of meat flying around pummelling people.

If the person is on their own, then fine, I support their decision to not wear a seat belt. But with other people in the car seat belts should 100% and for good reason be mandatory.

 

[dyyylan]

I'm 100% with you.

I think that as long as you aren't fucking someone else's life up, then more power to you to fuck up your own if you so choose.

I see your point, but what if it's Dad driving the car without the seatbelt and he has children at home? He gets into a collision where a seatbelt could have saved his life, and now the kids have to grow up without a father. So even though the seatbelt only affected him directly, others were still also affected indirectly.

But driving is a different scenario where collisions are pretty brutal, sports-related injuries are not nearly as dangerous or have as high a fatality rate, so it's not really a fair comparison. But the point still stands that injuries/deaths DO affect people other than the one doing the activity.

 

[perryhunter]

If you want to feel safe, wear a helmet. If you want to take a risk, you have the option.

 

[caucasian_chad]

Fuck no. I usually where mine anyways but I do occasionally rock a hat on warm spring days. No one should be forced to wear a helmet if they don't want to. That's their choice.

 

[B_dot_chill]

imagine theres no heaven

Sorry pal, no impromptu lyric reciting happening

 

[RockNRollNghtClb]

helmets r nt cool, just rmmber tht

nthing wrong with waering 1

jus not cool

yes u ca laugh at me when i die

 

[theabortionator]

No, it's not a slippery slope because there is a very big distinction with all of those other things you said and a seatbelt law. There is no argument for not wearing a seatbelt while driving, it doesn't prevent you from doing anything other than not dying in a collision. If a seatbelt restrains your movement so much that you can't do something, that's probably something you should pull over to do, because it's going to put your life and possibly others' lives in danger. Simple - no downside, many many upsides.

I'm not for requiring helmets, but I'm not against it, either. It probably doesn't need to be a law, but if a place (skatepark, ski resort, whatever) wants you to wear one, that's up to them. Wearing one is a good idea anyway so there isn't really a legitimate argument against it - just wear it.

There doesnt need to be a good reason to not where it. You arent infringing on anyone elses rights and you're an adult that can make your own decision. Theres no good argument for burning myself with a waxing iron while i masturbate to animal planet, but if i want to do that its my right as an adult.

 

[theabortionator]

I see your point, but what if it's Dad driving the car without the seatbelt and he has children at home? He gets into a collision where a seatbelt could have saved his life, and now the kids have to grow up without a father. So even though the seatbelt only affected him directly, others were still also affected indirectly.

But driving is a different scenario where collisions are pretty brutal, sports-related injuries are not nearly as dangerous or have as high a fatality rate, so it's not really a fair comparison. But the point still stands that injuries/deaths DO affect people other than the one doing the activity.

Holy fuck. Are you REALLY trying to make that argument? What about people who east shitty food, drink too much, or a million other things. People like you are suggesting that one can only make the right choice if theres a law and legal punishment for choosing the wrong. Personal accountability. This is where people put their big boy pants on and make decisions and take responsibility for what comes with them.

If my parachute doesnt open and my daughter becomes an orphan, thats no good but should skydiving be illegal? Lets make everything illegal and bubblewrap the whole world.

No thanks

 

[theabortionator]

I see your point, but what if it's Dad driving the car without the seatbelt and he has children at home? He gets into a collision where a seatbelt could have saved his life, and now the kids have to grow up without a father. So even though the seatbelt only affected him directly, others were still also affected indirectly.

But driving is a different scenario where collisions are pretty brutal, sports-related injuries are not nearly as dangerous or have as high a fatality rate, so it's not really a fair comparison. But the point still stands that injuries/deaths DO affect people other than the one doing the activity.

Holy fuck. Are you REALLY trying to make that argument? What about people who east shitty food, drink too much, or a million other things. People like you are suggesting that one can only make the right choice if theres a law and legal punishment for choosing the wrong. Personal accountability. This is where people put their big boy pants on and make decisions and take responsibility for what comes with them.

If my parachute doesnt open and my daughter becomes an orphan, thats no good but should skydiving be illegal? Lets make everything illegal and bubblewrap the whole world.

No thanks

 

[Logan.]

The only thing negative I see about a helmet is looks (even though it doesn't actually look that bad). So unfortunately, many people decide to look "cool" rather than be safe, so in some cases, serious or even permanent injury's can occur. All of these injured people would have once said that "this won't happen to me."

You NEVER expect a terrible injury, but they happen.

Obviously it is a choice, but out of the people that choose not to wear a helmet, I would bet that a huge portion of them (say 95%), do this because of superficial reasons like looks and being cool.

People compare this to riding a bike without a helmet on. Riding a bike around town can't be compared to skiing park, because skiing park is about pushing your limits...biking around town is not.

Ultimately it is peoples decision, I just wish people would choose that extra bit of safety (again where in some cases can safe you from drastically changing your life), over something as shallow as looks.

So yes, I think that everyone should wear helmets. Should they be required? Maybe not. I guess the question just is, will you risk your body just to try to please/impress others and look "cool"? Or are you mature enough to make a decision based on what's best for you as an individual.

 

[foyt20]

I feel that every resort should have the right to mandate helmet use if they or their insurance company feel the need.

 

[fredyferl]

The helmet is mandatory in the park here in Quebec. I think it's a good thing, but at the same time, when people are skiing urban or their backyard setup, they usually don't put it on.

In the end, you're the one making the decision and assuming the consequences.

 

[dyyylan]

Holy fuck. Are you REALLY trying to make that argument? What about people who east shitty food, drink too much, or a million other things. People like you are suggesting that one can only make the right choice if theres a law and legal punishment for choosing the wrong. Personal accountability. This is where people put their big boy pants on and make decisions and take responsibility for what comes with them.

If my parachute doesnt open and my daughter becomes an orphan, thats no good but should skydiving be illegal? Lets make everything illegal and bubblewrap the whole world.

No thanks

Well, like I said before, I don't really care one way or the other. I'm just putting some reasons out there that are worth thinking about.

It's not about taking away people's personal freedoms to make bad decisions. It's about having simple rules that don't negatively affect anyone, in order to help people make good decisions.

With your food example, that's a completely different thing because people get pleasure out of eating shit that's bad for them. Eating cakes every day is horrible but there's a legitimate reason to have some at least once a year (birthdays). Just as an example. But maybe there are some things we can do to help people make good decisions that don't negatively affect them? Maybe creating a new version of Coke that tastes exactly the same but doesn't give you diabetes. Or offering kids in school a choice of lunches that aren't frozen/fried garbage.

Regarding the seat belt thing, consider this: "lap/shoulder belts, when used properly, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. For light truck occupants, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent and moderate-to-critical injury by 65 percent"
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/airbags/Archive-04/PresBelt/america_seatbelt.html

If you could make a simple law that doesn't negatively affect anyone, but significantly reduces injury/death, why wouldn't you do it? I understand what you're saying about having the freedom to make bad decisions, and I agree, if I want to go basejumping, I dont want someone telling me that I can't. But on something that there is no legitimate argument against (like not wearing a seatbelt), why not?

 

[mackbiddys]

seatbelt laws aside...lol. i dont think that they should be required, a helmet is for personal protection and if people dont want to take that precaution than that is their own choice. personally i would never ski without one but that is my choice not because im forced to buy some law or regulation.

 

[last_tango]

If there are multiple people in a vehicle that gets into an accident then if one person isn't wearing a seat belt they dramatically increase the chance of injury or death for the other passengers by being a hundred or two hundred pound sack of meat flying around pummelling people.

If the person is on their own, then fine, I support their decision to not wear a seat belt. But with other people in the car seat belts should 100% and for good reason be mandatory.

If you have ever rolled a car you would understand this way better. Its violent as fuck.

 

[theabortionator]

Well, like I said before, I don't really care one way or the other. I'm just putting some reasons out there that are worth thinking about.

It's not about taking away people's personal freedoms to make bad decisions. It's about having simple rules that don't negatively affect anyone, in order to help people make good decisions.

With your food example, that's a completely different thing because people get pleasure out of eating shit that's bad for them. Eating cakes every day is horrible but there's a legitimate reason to have some at least once a year (birthdays). Just as an example. But maybe there are some things we can do to help people make good decisions that don't negatively affect them? Maybe creating a new version of Coke that tastes exactly the same but doesn't give you diabetes. Or offering kids in school a choice of lunches that aren't frozen/fried garbage.

Regarding the seat belt thing, consider this: "lap/shoulder belts, when used properly, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50 percent. For light truck occupants, seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60 percent and moderate-to-critical injury by 65 percent"
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/airbags/Archive-04/PresBelt/america_seatbelt.html

If you could make a simple law that doesn't negatively affect anyone, but significantly reduces injury/death, why wouldn't you do it? I understand what you're saying about having the freedom to make bad decisions, and I agree, if I want to go basejumping, I dont want someone telling me that I can't. But on something that there is no legitimate argument against (like not wearing a seatbelt), why not?

"It's not about taking away people's personal freedoms to make bad decisions. It's about having simple rules that don't negatively affect anyone, in order to help people make good decisions."

That right there is saying "I'm not able to take care of myself and make responsible decisions. I need laws to tell me what to do because I'm useless and can't handle making the right choice without legal consequences"

Who would make a great politician. Somebody would come to you with a useless proposition and you would say "Sure let's make a law for that".

Maybe I don't like the pressure of the seat belt. Maybe I like being able to move around a bit. Maybe I don't like how they lock up when you try and move fast. Maybe I don't like things touching me. Maybe I'm a big boy and simply don't want to wear one for no reason.

I understand the benefits of seat belts. I don't need to consider any studies. I've always warn a seat belt and will continue. But people like you fail to see the point.

Let's go ahead and make laws for everything because people can't handle making their own decisions. Wouldn't that be such a nice waste of time.

"Click it or ticket" cool slogan bros

That all said you probably aren't even out of high school and make your decisions off what your parents telling you what to do. The difference between that and adulthood is making those decisions for yourself.

DID YOU KNOW???

Did you know that you can decide to wear your seat belt, eat healthy, wear a helmet, and many other things on your own? Shocking right!?! Brand new research has shown that you don't actually need somebody telling you what to do in order to make good decisions.

I couldn't believe it either when read that. Such a fascinating study. I always thought that I only made good decisions because somebody told me to, and if that voice was gone I would always make the wrong choice.

 

[corona]

seat belt

please stop using the seat belt in your argument since, if there's more than one person in the vehicle, someone not wearing a seat belt is directly putting their lives at far greater risk in the event of an accident. Yes it should be mandatory because of this simple fact, so constantly using it as an example isn't doing anything to support your points.

 

[GayWolf420]

No, not at all. I understand as a ski resort, they can reserve the right to make them mandatory, because it is their business, and they can choose to do so. But i am not a fan of people telling other people what they can and can't do. If someone doesn't want to wear a helmet, let them. As long as they don't act like its societies fault for them knocking themselves out and becoming a vegetable.

this culture of worrying about what others do is really annoying.

 

[Substitute]

I personally always wear a helmet case I such, but forcing people to wear a helmet is really dumb.

Look at it this way. There is a sign in your park that says skiers have to use poles, would that make sense? Most of us do use poles, however poles suck sometimes. Ie. When dicking around.

No point to this reply but hope it helped.