According to the Utah Department of Health's Violence and Injury Prevention Program, each year more than 2,000 Utahns suffer traumatic, life-changing in-juries.
Every winter, an average of 19 of these injuries occur on Utah's slopes.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, when skiers and snowboarders wear helmets, they reduce the risk of head injuries by nearly half.
While the rate of injury is higher in children, caregivers are not immune to injury and also need to wear the proper sports helmets too.
"Remember your children learn safety habits from you," said Teresa Smith, a health educator for the health department.
"Be sure to wear a helmet, dress in layers, take lessons if you are just beginning, and stick to safe terrain."
Additional safety tips include using the right equipment for your size and skill, never skiing or snowboarding alone, making sure landing areas are clear prior to jumping and staying in bounds and away from trees, she said.
"Use sunscreen throughout the day and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while recreating in Utah's dry winter air.
"Also snowboarders should use wrist guards since injuries to wrists and arms from falls are the most common for this sport," she said.
While wearing a helmet is necessary, Davis County Health Director Lewis Garrett said that wearing a helmet "is not a license to go faster."
He advises winter enthusiasts follow the rules of the slopes. "There is no substitute for responsible behavior on the slopes."
mwilliams@davisclipper.com
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