No consensus on proposed ski helmets law

I was horrified to learn that a skiing accident had claimed the life of an 18-year-old girl from Long Island ["Brooklyn legislator renews call for ski-helmet bill," News, Jan. 19]. As the father of three and an avid skier for nearly 40 years, this tragic news really hit home, and my heart went out to the family of this young lady who had her whole life ahead of her.

Although I learned to ski nearly four decades ago on the now-defunct Bald Hill in Farmingville, I only began wearing a helmet about 10 years ago after witnessing a member of my group sustain a head injury at the Sundance Resort in Utah. I went out the next morning, bought myself a helmet and have not taken a run without one since.

It was only fitting, as I always insisted that my children and my wife strap on a helmet before they click into their skis. Ski helmets are light, comfortable and help you retain body heat. Most helmets also vent so you can wear them with comfort even in spring skiing conditions.

I am not suggesting that use of a helmet equates to invincibility but it certainly provides an extra level of protection whether you are on the slopes, riding a bicycle or exercising on your in-line skates.

While the proposed legislation is well-intended, the immediate answer is voluntary use of helmets and to lead by example for your children.

Craig G. Biscone

Garden City

The Ski Areas of New York, a trade association, opposes the proposed legislation as a "poorly worded bill" but supports a helmet mandate for children 14 and under. Wake up! It is not only the fragile heads of children that need protection. Erin Malloy-McArdle was 18 at the time of her death.

There is absolutely no doubt that the proper use of helmets, on a bicycle, motorcycle or ski slope will save lives.

The trade association's president, Scott Brandi, said that "it should be someone's choice whether they want to wear a helmet or not." His comment is counter to the collected intelligence that prompted the seat-belt law and laws requiring helmets for cyclists and motorcyclists.

Frane L. Helner

Stony Brook

Editor's note: The writer is a former board member of the Long Island Head Injury Association.

Legislators should stop micromanaging parents and young adults with laws regarding sports safety. While everyone is deeply saddened by the terrible and unfortunate accidental death of Erin Malloy-McArdle, it is without a doubt overzealous and misguided to try to make it illegal to ski or snowboard without a helmet.

This is a clear-cut issue of taking away the rights of parents and young adults to make decisions in regards to their own safety. I have been to Windham Mountain Ski Resort with my son over the last five years, and I know it is policy to strongly suggest protective gear as you enter the ski-lift area. Many parents and children respect this request.

It is not the government's job to bubble-wrap our children who participate in sports. Sports safety is the concern and job of every parent or individual adult.

Bill Alderman

East Meadow