Vienna - Ski helmets are set to become mandatory in
Austria's coming winter season, the chancellor's office said Tuesday,
a development triggered by an accident involving a German politician
early this year.
Children up to the age of 15 are to be affected, with their
parents responsible for complying with the new rule.
Adults will continue to be able to make their own decision about
their safety on the slopes.
It was not immediately clear whether there would be sanctions for
not wearing the protective gear. An official in Lower Austria said
there would be no penalties in his province.
After German state premier Dieter Althaus was seriously injured in
January in a collision with a Slovakia-born woman, the question of
skiing helmets entered the public spotlight.
While the premier of Thuringia wore a helmet and survived the
accident with a serious head injury, the woman did not wear a helmet
and died.
Italy has already introduced mandatory ski helmets for children
and a fine of up to 150 euros (215 dollars) for not obeying the rule.
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