Neck brace debate in hockey: why don’t drivers wear helmets?

class=”sc-29f61514-0 fwWrRV”>

Following the tragic death of professional ice hockey player Adam Johnson in England, the industry is debating whether to make wearing a neck brace mandatory. As is now common in such incidents, the initial outrage is widespread: who is to blame (someone must always be blamed). And: Why was the obligation not introduced long ago?

At least in Switzerland, people have often wondered this, for example when the seat belt requirement for drivers was introduced in 1981. Newton had already published the first law of motion (inertia) in 1687 – so you should have known.

Skates are sharpened

When it comes to ice hockey, you usually know a lot, but not everything. What many people know: The blades of the skates are sharpened and can effortlessly cut through anything. So: protect yourself against it.

But why don’t ice hockey players voluntarily protect their necks and neck area with cut-resistant neck braces or turtlenecks? You could also raise the question why motorists do not voluntarily wear a helmet: probably because they do not consider it necessary in city traffic or for practical reasons (visibility, freedom of movement, weight of the helmet: inertia) and based on probability calculations.

Questions about questions

A similar reflex occurs with ice hockey players and the issue of protecting their own health: the danger is recognized, but how often do serious injuries occur? Do currently available collars and collars actually protect? Do they restrict freedom of movement?

Personally, I really enjoy cycling, but I don’t wear a safety helmet, even though I know it’s wise to wear one. Why don’t I do it anyway? Because it looks stupid.

Source : Blick