MDS urge helmet law for skiers, boarders

OTTAWA — The Canadian Paediatric Society called Tuesday for Canadian governments to pass laws forcing skiers and snowboarders to wear helmets.

“Despite strong evidence that helmets prevent injuries, many still ski and snowboard without them,” said Dr. Natalie Yanchar, chairwoman of the CPS Injury Prevention Committee. “Through mandatory helmet legislation, governments can send a strong message that helmets are important and reduce the risk of brain injury, disability and death.”

Skiing and snowboarding spills and crashes accounted for the highest number of winter activity- related hospital visits last year. In 2010- 11, there were 2,329 hospitalizations for skiing or snowboarding injuries, compared with 1,114 hockeyrelated hospital visits, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Snowmobiling injuries accounted for 1,126 of winter- activity related hospital visits; while skating accounted for 889 and tobogganing, for 171.

Yanchar, of the Canadian Paediatric Society, said overconfidence is a factor in accidents on the slopes.

“People think that because they are an experienced skier or snowboarder they won’t get injured. But they can’t control external factors like the terrain or other skiers who might not be as experienced,” she said. “The risk is especially high for children and youth, who have increased vulnerability to head injuries and take longer to recover,” she said.

Last year, the Nova Scotia government introduced legislation that will make wearing ski helmets mandatory on the slopes. It will be the first legislation of its kind in the world when it comes into effect next November.