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By Bay City News Service
State Sen. Leland Yee, whose district includes Portola Valley and Woodside, has proposed legislation that would require everyone under 18 to wear helmets when skiing and snowboarding in California.
The bill, SB 880, is modeled after the existing law that requires minors to wear helmets when riding a bicycle, according to Yee, D-San Francisco/San Mateo.
“California’s ski slopes are perhaps the last area of recreation where we do not have basic safety standards in place for children,” Yee said in a statement.
Half of all skiing deaths are caused by head injury, according to Yee, and the Federal Consumer Products Safety Commission reported that for children under 15, more than 50 percent of head injuries are addressable by using a helmet.
“With this new legislation, we can significantly reduce instances of traumatic brain injury or death for such a vulnerable population,” Yee said.
The bill would impose a fine up to $25 for parents whose child fails to wear a helmet while skiing or snowboarding.
Up to $25 fine is ridiculously low. How about $25 1st, $100 2nd, $500 3rd. While Yee is at it how about a helmet law for snowmobiles requiring them for all drivers and riders of all ages.