Helmets are good

There was a sad story in the OC Register today about a 19-year-old dying—he was skateboarding without a helmet, crashed, and died two days later from head trauma. It is such a tragic accident, made even more so by the fact that a helmet could’ve saved his life.

I was just thinking about this yesterday; the kid is really into skateboarding, and every time he pulls out the board, I have him wear his helmet. Sometimes it’s not a problem, other times it causes a toddler tantrum—not fun. Yesterday was one of those days, and me, being tired, almost let him get away with it. However, I stopped myself short, knowing that today (will hopefully) pave the way for future behavior, which will lead him to wear a helmet for the rest of his skateboarding life. I may be an optimist, but hey, what’s wrong with that?

This past winter, I wrote about how helmets are so popular with snowboarders and skiers—why aren’t they with skateboarders? This 19-year-old who passed away is most certainly not the first to skate without head protection—the majority of pros don’t wear them—what kind of role model is that? Why don’t more people invest the $30.00 in saving their lives?

My heartfelt condolences go out to this teen’s friends and family.

Photo above: Never too young to get into good habits

 

Comments

[John]

I coudn't agree more. I asking the same question over and over again. All other "extreme" sports a wearing a helmet. Even in slalom skateboarding skaters ARE wearing a helmet. So why don't street skaters? It's not a quistion if pro skater is going to die from head trauma but when.
So who is the first pro skater who is starting to wear a helmet? That 20 stair handrail is just as gnairly with a helmet.

There is a great task for us as skateboard media!

[Charles Cushman]

My question about helmets is why are the parents not wearing one? If I had a kid and wanted him / her to wear one I would do it. Teach by example.

[Paul]

My 4 four year old loves to skate and ride his bike. He's been riding his bike without training will since he was 3 and half, and skating for about the same period of time. Obviously still learning to handle both. I never let him ride either without his helmet. Pretty much common sense. Wear your helmet. It can save your life, or your kids life.

[Deb]

It's all in what's modeled to the younguns as common practise. There seemed to be a little better of a usage rate a few years ago than nowadays, probably due more to the Rocket Power cartoons and X Games broadcasts than to any blatant or organised "safety campaign" as such. I haven't seen the balance sheets, but it might help if mainstream helmet companies brought down their prices a little bit. Just my 2¢. ;)