From: europa@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (r.j.capik)
Newsgroups: nj.politics
Subject: Helmet Bill
Keywords: Politics, Ski Helmet Bill, rec.skiing, Bill S-387
Date: 9 Apr 92 21:36:08 GMT
Article-I.D.: cbnewsh.1992Apr9.213608.10898
Distribution: nj
Organization: AT&T


Shifitng gears a bit here:
   I found this thread on the skiing news group, and thought the
thread should be co-posted on the nj.politics group. (I didn't
cross post it because I don't think rec.skiing and nj.politics
should be directly linked).
Question is, do we in fact NEED this legislation?

------------------ start of thread --------------------------------------
0# I don't think that it is something that will probably happen in the near
0# future, but I have heard that it is a possibility. Please share your oppinions
0# whether you agree or dissagree. Well I gotta go.... I was just wondering
0# if this topic had stirred up any thoughts of other skiers like me.
0# 							Todd S.
1# 
1# ***** The New Jersey Helmet Bill! It's Back!!!  *****
1# Several years ago a ski helmet bill was introduced in New Jersey.
1# The bill was, well let's just say, seriously flawed. 
1# It died in committee about a year ago. But now it's back!
1# It was reintroduced as (NJ) senate bill S-387 by senator
1# Gerald Cardinale, and is currently sitting in the NJ Commerce
1# Committee. It is my understanding that this bill is in the same
1# flawed condition as the previous bill. Hearings have not been
1# scheduled yet.
1# 
1# > Now, you should all note that this bill was intended to be a model
1# > bill, and was intended for "export" to other states.
1#  Ron Capik
1#
2# What groups are the driving forces behind this bill?  In the case of
2# bicycles, there are a large percentage of cyclists who feel that
2# helmets are a very good idea, though not neccessarily that many who
2# feel that they should be compulsory.
2# 
2# For skiing I don't know of anyone outside of racers and occasionally
2# children who wear helmets.  I know I've got enough problems dealing
2# with the cold and visibility without having to fit a helmet in the
2# picture.
2# BTW, I do have a bicycle helmet and use it some of the time...
2# -- 
3# 
3# Well, once again, people aren't responsible for their own actions.
3# If the lawyers have their way (and they will until someone finally 
3# eliminates them...Hey Manson, get on it!) we'll all be skiing in
3# plastic bubbles.  There is no need to have "baby sitting" laws.  I snowboard.
3# I have for a season and haven't gotten hurt too bad, my bro messed up
3# his wrist though, but he knew what could happen.  If I die on the slopes,
3# I'm an ass!  If I ski down icy terrain that's way too slippery and don't 
3# stop to remove my board and WALK down around the bad spots..I'm an ass.
3# I don't need some politican (sorry for the spelling..it's early) telling
3# me to do this or do that.  If I feel that I could get seriously hurt,
3# I'll buy a helmet.  (I mountain bike also and bought a helmet last year,
3# no law was in effect at the time, I just felt it was necessary because
3# of the terrain I was riding)  People need to just think before they do
3# something.  There is no reason to sue.  Pretty soon, the mountains will
3# close (helmets or not) because it will be "Too dangerous"  Again, with
3# my snowboard, I had to sign a form stating that I understand that the
3# bindings do not release and I could get hurt.  This form is to save
3# Burton's butt from all the damn lawsuits.  I feel laws are a waste.
3# If people want the safety (we all see the kids with helmets skiing)
3# then they should be allowed to have it but there is no reason to force
3# everyone to have it.  What's next?  A private guide will ski with you
3# to make sure it's o.k. @$1000/day???  I'm all for safety but I feel
3# people should be allowed to make their own choices.  As the lift ticket
3# states, skiing is a hazardous sport..etc....That sums it up.  If you
3# feel it's too dangerous, don't do it.
3#  - Kirk
3# (Let's cut all the trees down to make skiing safer...NOT!)
---------------- end of rec.skiing stuff ------------------------

The New Jersey Ski Council did follow the bill when it was first
introduced, and will be following the progress of the new 
(re)introduction of the bill. A letter of position was drafted
for the old bill, and I expect it will be reviewed and reissued
as needed.
OK. Thats enough for now.

Ron Capik                 cbnewsh!europa  
NJ Ski Council,
USSA Competition Liaison
(and other stuff..  )