Should Helmets be Mandatory?

With the recent tragic death of Natasha Richardson in a ski accident, the debate on helmets once again comes to the forefront. Currently (in Ontario at least) helmets are mandatory for all children under the age of 18 when biking, scootering, rollerblading etc. It is not for skiing or snowboarding to the best of my knowledge.

The question is simple really, should helmets be mandatory for everyone regardless of age when they partake in sports and activities like:

• skiing
• snowboarding
• biking
• rollerblading
• skateboarding
• etc

Do helmets reduce the chance of injury or death when engaged in the activities listed above? You would think helmets could only improve their chances of not being injured.

The libertarian streak in me says hell no, you shouldn't mandate helmets. What's next. Mandate everyone gets their full servings of fruit and vegetables? And of course their exercise?

The fiscal conservative in me says, hey, why the hell should I pay the health care costs of some idiot who bashed their head doing a risky activity and not wearing a helmet. A helmet could have prevented the injury, or at least reduced its severity.

At the end of the day, I am going to vote for mandatory helmet laws. This position may not be popular with many readers of the Blogging Tories, but it is the most common sense. Unlike healthy eating or exercise, it will be much simpler to ensure skiers and their ilk wear helmets, you can't get on the lift without your helmet. You get spotted on the hill without your helmet your pass is canceled and off you go.

I, as a hardworking tax payer don't want to see my scarce tax dollars treating injuries that can be mitigated by wearing the proper safety equipment. If someone really wants to not wear a helmet, they can self-insure themselves in case of accident or injury.

Am I right or wrong? Tell me what you think.