Massachusetts residents and visitors enjoy skiing and snowboarding as part of their winter recreation. According to the National Ski Area Association, skiing and snowboarding are in fact less dangerous the most common activities, as well as most high energy sports. However, both skiing and snowboarding require skills that are acquired over time and are still very challenging even to an expert skier.
Accidents that can result in some very serious injuries such as fractures, concussions, head injuries and even death can occur due to inadequate maintenance of slopes and common ski resort areas, not receiving proper instruction, issues with faulty equipment, and most commonly collisions with other skiers or snowboarders.
Despite obvious dangers of being in a skiing or snowboarding accident, skiing and snowboarding still prove to be a common winter recreation. In 2008, a reported 10 million people participated in skiing or snowboarding.
During the course of the 2009/10 season, 38 people died while skiing or snowboarding. To put this number is perspective, in 2008, 39,000 Americans that died in motor-vehicle accidents and 6,162 pedestrians were killed. Serious injuries, such as paralysis and serious head injuries are slightly more likely than fatal ski accidents. In the 2009/10 season, 39 serious injuries had occurred.
In order to prevent a serious injury or even death, it is important for skiers and snowboarders to remember to wear a helmet. Skiers and snowboarders have recently shown that they understand the importance of helmets to help save them. In the 2009-201/10 season, 57 percent of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets while on the slopes. That is a 19 percent increase from 2008-2009. Parents are making sure their children are safe with 87 percent of children aged 9 or younger wearing helmets and 75 percent of children 10-14 years old wearing helmets.
A nine year old boy was recently hospitalized on January 29, 2012 due to a ski accident at Nashoba Valley in Westford, Massachusetts. The young boy was skiing behind his father when he went off course and crashed. He was found by another skier who reported to the ski patrol. Ski patrol found the boy unconscious in the woods. The boy was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.
There has also been in increase in young adults aged 18-24 who wear helmets with 43 percent. This number shows a large increase of 139 percent from 2002/03. In 2002/03, only 18 percent of young adults wore helmets.
The use of a helmet decreases the risk of a serious head injury by 30-50 percent. Less serious head injuries such as scalp lacerations, mild concussions, and contusions of the head can occur with use of a helmet as opposed to skull fractures, closed head injuries such as brain injuries without a helmet. There has not been a decrease in deaths in skiers who do use a helmet. It is important to remember when if you are wearing a helmet that you are not invincible. Skiers and snowboarders who do wear helmets should not increase their risk-taking behavior.
Some important tips for skiing:
1. Obtain proper equipment. Be sure to have your ski or snowboard bindings adjusted correctly at a local ski shop. You can rent good ski or snowboarding equipment at resorts.
2. Always wear a helmet.
3. Take a lesson. You will improve your skills under the guidance of a qualified instructor.
4. Always be in control. Be aware of your surroundings such as the terrain, snow , and weather conditions. Also be aware of other skiers or snowboarders around you.
5. If you find yourself on a slope that exceeds your ability level, always leave your skis/snowboard on and side step down the slope. It is better to be safe than sorry.
6. Know your limits. Learn to ski and snowboard smoothly--and in control. Stop before you become fatigued and, most of all have fun.
These are some easy ways to prevent injuries to yourself and to other skiers and snowboarders.
Even though skiers and boarders do enjoy the slopes at their own risk, if you are injured there could be a possibility that you have a right to compensation for your injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured in a ski or snowboarding accident, contact Sheff Law at 617-227-7000 or toll free (888) 423-4477 to speak to a qualified attorney about your rights.
