According to the National Sporting Goods Association, nearly 10 million people participate in alpine skiing more than once each year. Between 1993 and 1997, the number of people who snowboard increased from 1.8 million to 2.5 million.
The CPSC study found that while overall hospital emergency room-treated injuries associated with skiing declined substantially between 1993 and 1997, the number of head injuries remained relatively constant. During the same period, snowboarding injuries nearly tripled and the number of head injuries from snowboarding increased five-fold.
From 1993 to 1997, the estimated number of hospital emergency room-treated injuries of all types associated with skiing declined from 114,400 to 84,200. The injuries have dropped, in part, because of improvements in ski equipment, such as redesigned bindings, which have reduced injuries to the legs. Head injuries were essentially unchanged at 13,600 in 1993 and 12,700 in 1997. For snowboarding, hospital emergency room treated injuries increased from 12,600 in 1993 to 37,600 in 1997. The number of head injuries associated with snowboarding increased from 1,000 in 1993 to 5,200 in 1997.
In addition to wearing helmets specifically designed for skiing or snowboarding, the CPSC recommends these additional safety tips:
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Select the right equipment, and make sure items such as bindings and boots are adjusted to fit properly.
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Make sure you have the proper training, and don't ski or snowboard beyond your ability.
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Ski and snowboard in control, and follow the rules of the slopes.
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Never ski or snowboard alone. Make sure someone is there to help you if you get hurt.
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Get in shape before you hit the slopes. Making sure you are physically fit before you ski or snowboard can help prevent injuries.
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Wear warm, close-fitting clothing. Loose clothing can become entangled in lifts, tow ropes and ski poles.
For more information on skiing and snowboarding safety, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or go to the CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov.
