Halifax (NS), Canada – When skiers and riders visit Nova Scotia’s three operating alpine ski areas next winter, they could be greeted by officers enforcing the province’s new helmet law, which would be the world’s strictest.

Unlike other helmet legislation passed or considered in New Jersey and California, Bill 131 introduced on Tuesday in the House of Assembly in Halifax requires adults to wear helmets when skiing or snowboarding, in addition to children. Violators would face a $250 fine for non-compliance.

The province’s Department of Health and Wellness says that 11 people have suffered traumatic brain injuries since 2000 that have been related to skiing or snowboarding without a helmet.

“Many Nova Scotians enjoy activities like skiing and snowboarding to stay active over the winter months, but these are activities that should be enjoyed safely,” said Maureen MacDonald of Halifax, Minister of Health and Wellness. “Wearing a helmet greatly reduces the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury and could be the one thing on the hill that saves a life.”

Nova Scotia reports the highest rate of bike helmet use in North America, with the lowest rate of cycling-related brain injuries in Canada. They also already have one of the highest rates of helmet use on ski hills in Canada at 88 percent. Under the new Snowsport Helmet Act, however, anyone 16 years of age or older is responsible to ensure they are wearing a helmet and parents or guardians are responsible to ensure anyone under 16 in their care is wearing a helmet. Ski hill operators are responsible to ensure signs are posted making users aware of mandatory helmet use and if one of the newly hired inspectors sees a violation, the individual could face up to a $250 fine for each offense. Yes, visitors next winter to Ski Martock, Ski Wentworth and Ski Ben Eoin could well face helmet cops on the slopes.

The only other Canadian province to consider mandating ski helmet use was Quebec in 2009 following the death of actress Natasha Richardson at Mont Tremblant. That legislation failed following opposition raised by the ski industry. Although Nova Scotia’s Snowsport Helmet Act could be passed as early as next week, the legislation would not come into effect until Nov.1, 2012.

Lynne Fenerty, research manager with the QEII Health Sciences Centre division of neurosurgery in Halifax, said the incidence of skiing-related brain injuries is increasing and that most of these injuries are preventable.

“Head injuries are the leading cause of death among skiers of all ages, and helmet-use reduces the risk for skiers by up to 60 per cent,” said Fenerty. “We have worked with ski hill operators in the past to improve helmet use, and I would like to commend them on their leadership.

“In spite of these initiatives, a quarter of skiers and snowboarders still remain vulnerable. This legislation will help ensure that all Nova Scotians remain safer on the slopes.”

Opponents argue that sending enforcement officers to look for skiers and riders without helmets is a waste of taxpayer dollars and is indicative of a “nanny state” mentality. They also argue that research shows that increased helmet use has failed to mitigate the most serious head injuries on the slopes, as the fatality rate from head injuries has failed to show a commensurate decrease. Officials with the Canada Safety Council say that while they encourage ski helmet use, they’re opposed to laws that mandate such precautions.