>>>>But the issue isn't whether wearing a helmet is a good idea. The issue is whether the government compelling wearing a helmet is a good idea. Very different implications.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>>>>Unfortunatly, she died at the hospital. After the accident, the debate for the obligation to wear head helmet on the ski slopes is back on track here. The ski stations are against, saying that it will reduce the number of skiers. Look like they're more interested in $$$ than the life of their clients...
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>There's a debate going on at Yahoo regarding mandatory helmets for skiing/snowboarding. It's amazing how some of the most thought-provoking comments are from illiterates:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>"Remember the old saying, 'Better to be safe then sorry'"
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Statistically the jury is still out on helmets. Same with cycle helmets.
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm pretty sure you missed my original point <g>
>>>>>
>>>>>Nevertheless, re: cycling helmets, it almost doesn't matter whether statistics are inconclusive, the community is practically 100% in favour of helmet wear.
>>>>>
>>>>>In many ways there are absolutely no injuries or conditions as scary as traumatic brain injury. It's amazing that some people will participate in activities with potential for high impact/high severity, and not protect themselves as much as possible.
>>>
>>>Well, I was discussing its value, not the government mandate. But my take on the latter is fairly straightforward.
>>>
>>>I'm a huge believer in a balance of responsibility and authority. If, as in Canada, the government is responsible for the treatment of preventable injuries, then I believe it should have the authority to take measures to increase prevention. Since there is (as I understand it) no such responsibility in the US, the government should have no authority.
>>
>>So as cycling is more risky than driving you'd be happy to see it stopped :-)
>
>No, driving causes poor physical fitness, disease and reduced health from pollutants, geopolitical turmoil from fighting over oil supplies etc. etc. Driving is far riskier :-)

Maybe a benefit of financial turmoil will be more cycling . The UK Motor Show has been cancelled for the first time since World War 2.