Safety Less Speed vs Helmets

[catskills]

Which is more important to improve skier/snowboarder safety less speed or helmet use?

Given that velocity is squared in the following formula for kinetic energy, mass, and speed, I would think slowing your speed down is more important for safety versus wearing a helmet. Its not like you can square your helmet use by wearing two helmets.

 

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

helmet.

 

[billski]

Where is the fun factor in that equation???? Isn't that one of the biggest reasons people get out? Even though I'm trained as an engineer and appreciate that we can quantify the statistics, I'll also argue that some of the most fun, most memorable experiences of my life have been the times when I take calculated risks and push the limits. Life is too short not too.

Too much statistical analysis is the major reason why there is no fun equipment left on schoolyard playgrounds any more, and I do sincerely empathize with families who's kids have permanent life-altering injuries or death. I always remember the Bill Cosby monologue where he describe playing in vacant lots full of glass, nails and rocks in Philadelphia. Once the parents came in and "improved" things, kids started to get injured. Perhaps a stretch, but we could have a debate about personal responsibility; I'm not going there right now.

I know that you are looking for a more rational, deductive discussion, sorry about that. I'll mitigate my risk somewhat with a helmet, but I still like to eat bark, don't mind falling or getting hurt. I won't do entirely stupid things, I understand my own limits and meter myself accordingly. Then again, I ski with a high-powered attorney who has a lot to lose if he was to be seriously injured and yet is probably the fastest recreational skier I have ever met.

 

[catskills]

I have to disagree. If I had a choice between hitting a tree at 40mph with a helmet versus hitting the tree at 20mph without a helmet, I would definitely chose 20mph without a helmet. If I hit a tree at 40mph with or without a helmet I am dead anyway. The helmet is not going to save me from the blunt forced trauma to my chest at 40mph.

 

[RootDKJ]

I have to disagree. If I had a choice between hitting a tree at 40mph with a helmet versus hitting the tree at 20mph without a helmet, I would definitely chose 20mph without a helmet. If I hit a tree at 40mph with or without a helmet I am dead anyway. The helmet is not going to save me from the blunt forced trauma to my chest at 40mph.

You could wear a Camelbak backwards! :idea:

 

[billski]

I have to disagree. If I had a choice between hitting a tree at 40mph with a helmet versus hitting the tree at 20mph without a helmet, I would definitely chose 20mph without a helmet. If I hit a tree at 40mph with or without a helmet I am dead anyway. The helmet is not going to save me from the blunt forced trauma to my chest at 40mph.

Why are you making them mutually exclusive? You are still mitigating a head trauma injury, which lowers your overall risk profile.

 

[mondeo]

Where's the more speed, no helmet choice?

 

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

I have to disagree. If I had a choice between hitting a tree at 40mph with a helmet versus hitting the tree at 20mph without a helmet, I would definitely chose 20mph without a helmet. If I hit a tree at 40mph with or without a helmet I am dead anyway. The helmet is not going to save me from the blunt forced trauma to my chest at 40mph.

 

[catskills]

Why are you making them mutually exclusive? You are still mitigating a head trauma injury, which lowers your overall risk profile.

I have read one too many helmet thread posts that people seem to think helmets are the silver bullet that is going to make everyone all safe on the slopes. Helmets are definitely a good thing and should be worn.

Less Velocity is what will save your life NOT the brain bucket. Wear the brain bucket but be safe and slow down.

BTW I did get a good laugh from the wearing camelbak backwards comment. thanks

 

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

I have read one too many helmet thread posts that people seem to think helmets are the silver bullet that is going to make everyone all safe on the slopes.

The lady featured in this article would agree that when it comes to bullets helmets aren't the answer.

 

[RootDKJ]

I have read one too many helmet thread posts that people seem to think helmets are the silver bullet that is going to make everyone all safe on the slopes. Helmets are definitely a good thing and should be worn.

Less Velocity is what will save your life NOT the brain bucket. Wear the brain bucket but be safe and slow down.

BTW I did get a good laugh from the wearing camelbak backwards comment. thanks

I'll be here all week. Please remember to tip your bartenders.

 

[mondeo]

I don't think I'm going to leave my house any more. Driving is much too dangerous.

But there could be a house fire. Maybe I'll just camp outside.

But then I can be attacked by wild animals.

Heck, even just living, I could have a heart attack or get cancer.

I'm doomed, I tell 'ya. DOOOOMED!

 

[Rambo]

Both is required under certain conditions ...

I would much rather wipe/out at 20 MPH than at 40. If you crash at 40 mph, you don't know what the outcome might be.

 

[Highway Star]

Where's the "I don't suck at skiing" option?

 

[TheBEast]

Oh this hurts my brain this early in the morning......

Helmet use in all cases wins for me. I've at a few encounters with trees and love skiing them too much to not wear one. Speaking of that, my 10 year old Leedom really needs replacing this off season. With a large head (my Leedom is an XXL) has been hard finding one that fit right....

 

[drjeff]

Ask Natasha Richardson's family about slow skiing and safety

An adult could be standing still on the bunny slope and loose their balance and quickly have their head whip down and hit the snow and do a heck of alot of head trauma. Wear the 'ol brain bucket, it may not prevent EVERY head injury, but more often than it it WILL lessen the damage if god forbid you're ever in a crash with a head impact.

 

[campgottagopee]

Skiing in control and common sense is the best form of protection.

 

[tcharron]

Option 3. Don't use a bicycle, as the risk of head injury there is 3x that of skiing.

So, I've just decreased by risk of HS style brain damage by 75%!

 

[legalskier]

This article sheds light on the issue: http://www.ski-injury.com/prevention/helmet

A friend of mine was killed years ago while rollerblading (slowly) and falling backward onto his head. However, I didn't make the connection to my skiing. I was walking in ski boots outside a lodge when I slipped and fell backwards on a sheet of ice disguised by a film of snow from a snow gun. I wasn't wearing a helmet, but I might have shared my friend's fate except that my backpack broke my fall before my head could make impact. I got a helmet after that.

 

[vertmont]

Enjoy the sport.

If you race or do the parks you need one. Enjoy the sport slow down and carve some turns. I didn't need a helmet 40 years ago. Instructors teach need to teach how to fall and ski and ride under control and enjoy the sport. Since the new grooming has come of age everyone races down the slopes. Skiing and riding is not a race it's a art to carve turns under control. More bumps and less grooming.