TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2007//
TI  - Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding
JO  - Injury prevention
A1  - Scott, Michael D.
A1  - Buller, David B.
A1  - Andersen, Peter A.
A1  - Walkosz, Barbara J.
A1  - Voeks, Jennifer H.
A1  - Dignan, Mark B.
A1  - Cutter, Gary R.
SP  - 173
EP  - 177
VL  - 13
IS  - 3
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1353-8047
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ip.2006.014142
ID  - ref1
ER  -