@article{ref1,
title="Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding",
journal="Injury prevention",
year="2007",
author="Scott, Michael D. and Buller, David B. and Andersen, Peter A. and Walkosz, Barbara J. and Voeks, Jennifer H. and Dignan, Mark B. and Cutter, Gary R.",
volume="13",
number="3",
pages="173-177",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of helmet use by alpine skiers and snowboarders was estimated and self-reports on risk taking were assessed to test for potential risk compensation when using helmets in these sports. SETTING: Skiers and snowboarders were observed and interviewed at 34 resorts in the western United States and Canada. SUBJECTS: Respondents were 1779 adult skiers and snowboarders in the 2003 ski season. OUTCOME MEASURES: Observations of helmet use and questions about perceived speed and degree of challenge when not wearing a helmet (helmet wearers) or in previous ski seasons (non-helmet wearers). RESULTS: Helmet wearers reported that they skied/snowboarded at slower speeds (OR = 0.64, p<0.05) and challenged themselves less (OR = 0.76, p<0.05) than non-helmet wearers. Adoption of safety helmets in 2003 (23%) continued to increase over 2002 (OR = 0.46, p<0.05) and 2001 (OR = 0.84, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No evidence of risk compensation among helmet wearers was found. Decisions to wear helmets may be part of a risk reduction orientation. Helmet use continues to trend upwards but adoption may be slowing.   <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1353-8047",
doi="10.1136/ip.2006.014142",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ip.2006.014142"
}