Posted by kjh on March 30, 2003 at 11:20:23:
In Reply to: Pole Vault No More? posted by stjvaulter on March 24, 2003 at 16:15:03:
(CNN) -- The millions of ordinary people who ski may be worrying about the safety of their sport after the skiing deaths of two American celebrities in one week.
The deaths of entertainer-turned-congressman Sonny Bono on Monday and Michael Kennedy, son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, on New Year's Eve have raised awareness of the dangers of skiing and could lead to safety measures such as mandatory helmet use.
But some proponents say skiing is considered safe when compared with other sports.
"It's a high-energy sport but it's not more dangerous than other sports," said Stacey Gardner, a spokeswoman for the National Ski Areas Association.
An average of 32 deaths result from ski-related incidents each year in the United States, according to the association. By comparison, there were 800 bicycle-related deaths and 716 recreational boating deaths in 1995.
Could helmets become mandatory?
Experts say skiers should wear protective gear, from helmets to wrist supports. Last month, an American Medical Association report said youngsters should be urged to wear ski helmets.
On Tuesday, Dr. Carolyn Ferree, chairwoman of the committee, said the two high-profile deaths may prompt the nation's largest organization of doctors to rethink the issue and perhaps press for legislation requiring helmet use among both children and adults.
Head injuries account for 2.6 percent of all ski accidents, according to an AMA report based on ski mishaps at Sugarbush, Vermont, from 1981 to 1997.
Using an estimate from Sugarbush that was multiplied by the estimated number of ski visits nationwide, the AMA concluded there were 135,000 accidents and 3,537 potentially serious head injuries during that period. Of those, 77 percent were mild concussions and less than 1 percent were fatal.
The AMA estimates two skiers, on average, die of head injuries each year.
However, AMA committee members said they had no data on which ski helmets might be best or how they should be built to provide the greatest protection. Also, their cost can be high, at $100 to $200 apiece.
An AMA endorsement of ski helmets could carry considerable weight. In the 1980s, several states adopted bicycle helmet laws based on the recommendation of the AMA
any comments?
kjh