nova scotia is passing a new helmet law. - Snowboarding Forum

powispow · 12-07-2011, 10:26 AM

What are you though's on this new law? How would you feel if you had to wear a helmet?
here is the link to the law....

Helmets to be mandatory on N.S. ski hills | The Chronicle Herald

**HoboMaster** · 12-07-2011, 10:34 AM

I would say it only makes sense because Canada has socialized medical care. If you look at it from that realm, it's about mitigation for reducing health costs and not because the Gov "has to make decisions for you". If I could get free healthcare I would be perfectly fine with being required to wear a helmet snowboarding (I wear a helmet anyways).

Toecutter · 12-07-2011, 10:36 AM

I already wear a helmet so I wouldn't feel any different. I might open up a helmet store.

SimonB · 12-07-2011, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HoboMaster

I would say it only makes sense because Canada has socialized medical care. If you look at it from that realm, it's about mitigation for reducing health costs and not because the Gov "has to make decisions for you". If I could get free healthcare I would be perfectly fine with being required to wear a helmet snowboarding (I wear a helmet anyways).

Exactly. Just don't say "free" healthcare...

lethies91 · 12-07-2011, 11:52 AM

if everyone were paying there own medical bills i'd say no but the way it sounds like it is set up i'd say yes

grafta · 12-07-2011, 12:09 PM

They have teh snowsliding in Nova Scotia?

Rider161 · 12-07-2011, 12:15 PM

oh lord I could see it now... Sir we found him.. Snowolf?..affirmative..operation wolf protection is a go...

SimonB · 12-07-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowolf

I am not in favor of the nanny state. I totally get the single payer health care issue and sure, that has an impact. But the flipside of this coin is that in the big picture, the incurred cost from snowboarding and skiing accidents that a helmet would mitigate is actually pretty miniscule. There are far greater hazards that your government could spend time, money and energy on that are bigger problems. Smoking being one of them. I have never been around so many heavy smokers as Canadians....

Are helmets a good idea? Are seatbelts and airbags in cars a good idea? Of course! But I am not in favor of the punative nature of a big brother government mandating anything in the interest of "my safety" its just too much like the nanny state of "for your own good".

I am all for voluntary helmet use, but 100% against this law. If they tried this in the U.S. I would fight it tooth and nail and if passed, I would ride back country only.

In fact, the law should not be needed at all. In Quebec, I think every resort require a helmet to go in the park. In the '90s they required a leash to get on the lift. They could just do the same thing with helmets. No helmet, no chairlift.

If the law passes it will be the resort's duty to apply it. No real cost for the government.

As for the smoking, it would cost a lot to fight it. They probalby spend more money fighting contraband then fighting smoking, because they are losing tax revenue. They probably get more in tobacco tax than what it costs in medical care, hence why they don't put that much effort...

Our country is no better than others, still driven by money...

CheeseForSteeze · 12-07-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimonB

In fact, the law should not be needed at all. In Quebec, I think every resort require a helmet to go in the park. In the '90s they required a leash to get on the lift. They could just do the same thing with helmets. No helmet, no chairlift.

I agree with Snowolf and this is a good point SimonB makes as well. Let the resorts and individuals handle it. However, the universal health care obviously plays into it. As Wolf says, the total cost incurred across the board due to snowboard head injuries as a proportion of total health care spending is probably minimal but then again, health care spending is an aggregate matter. I'm sure a large portion of total spending could be broken down into a multitude of similarly low-percentage, nickle-dime type categories as well.

Helmets are a good idea. Helmet laws are not. In Pennsylvania, helmets are not required by law on motorcyclists over the age of 18 and I think that's as long as they don't have a passenger. Most motorcyclists (like 95% I've seen) wear helmets. Helmet laws aren't really going to change anything IMO.

SimonB · 12-07-2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheeseForSteeze

However, the universal health care obviously plays into it. As Wolf says, the total cost incurred across the board due to snowboard head injuries as a proportion of total health care spending is probably minimal but then again, health care spending is an aggregate matter. I'm sure a large portion of total spending could be broken down into a multitude of similarly low-percentage, nickle-dime type categories as well.

You're right. However, a law like this one would not cost much, if anything, to the government to enforce, since the responsibility would be on the resort...

Personally, I don't think there is that much money involved in medical care for head injury caused by skiing/snowboarding. I would just hate to see someone I care for get injured because that person didn't think he/she needs a helmet...

View Poll Results: would you support this law?
yes	14	31.82%
no	14	31.82%
only if they are under 18	15	34.09%
other	1	2.27%
Voters: 44. You may not vote on this poll

12-07-2011, 10:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
powispow Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: wolfville N.S. canada Posts: 35	nova scotia is passing a new helmet law. What are you though's on this new law? How would you feel if you had to wear a helmet? here is the link to the law.... Helmets to be mandatory on N.S. ski hills \| The Chronicle Herald

12-07-2011, 10:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
HoboMaster Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sandpoint / Moscow, ID Posts: 2,301	I would say it only makes sense because Canada has socialized medical care. If you look at it from that realm, it's about mitigation for reducing health costs and not because the Gov "has to make decisions for you". If I could get free healthcare I would be perfectly fine with being required to wear a helmet snowboarding (I wear a helmet anyways). __________________ PowderHound and TreeNinja

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-07-2011, 10:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
Toecutter Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mt. Bachelor Posts: 1,512	I already wear a helmet so I wouldn't feel any different. I might open up a helmet store.

12-07-2011, 11:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
lethies91 Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Forest Hill Md. Posts: 52	if everyone were paying there own medical bills i'd say no but the way it sounds like it is set up i'd say yes

12-07-2011, 12:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
grafta Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,752	They have teh snowsliding in Nova Scotia?

12-07-2011, 12:15 PM	#7 (permalink)
Rider161 -LIFETIME MEMBER- Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Southern MD Posts: 377	oh lord I could see it now... Sir we found him.. Snowolf?..affirmative..operation wolf protection is a go...