Ski Safety and Medical Experts, Victims of Snow Sport Tragedies and Consumers Shed Light on Questionable Safety Practices of California Ski Resorts

Ski Safety and Medical Experts, Victims of Snow Sport Tragedies and Consumers Shed Light on Questionable Safety Practices of California Ski Resorts

Powerful Assembly Judiciary Committee to Hear their Concerns Today at Capitol Hearing

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ --
WHAT:
As the 2008-2009 California ski season opens, safety practices at
California ski resorts are being called into question by a diverse and
powerful group of ski and snowboard safety advocates; some of whom have
been touched by tragedy. Crowded ski slopes, new ski technologies and
limited traffic management contribute to unsafe conditions, while some
skiers and snowboarders travel as fast as cars. If highway safety is a
priority, they wonder how many deaths and injuries must occur before
uniform safety measures are implemented to prevent further tragedy on the
slopes.

WHY:
The basic tenet of ski law is that injuries and death are just an
"inherent risk of the sport," shielding ski resorts from liability
associated with ski and snowboard deaths and injuries regardless of fault.
As a result, there is no accountability and no accurate or reliable data
to objectively guide the public, as well as policymakers, on snow sport
risks.

WHERE:
California State Capitol, Room 437

WHEN:
Wednesday, November 12
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHO:
Dr. Dan Gregorie, Founder, California Ski and Snowboard Safety
Organization (father of 24-year-old Jessica Gregorie who lost her life in
a fall at Alpine Meadows)
Julia Kozberg, sister died from falling into an unprotected tree well at
Heavenly
Matt Calvert, paralyzed in ski accident at Alpine Meadows
Dr. Matthew Foley, American College of Emergency Physicians, SEMA
Emergency Medicine staff physician
Cathy Barankin, California Coalition for Children's Safety and Health
Melissa Hyland, parent advocate for ski and snowboard safety
Dick Penniman, snow sport safety expert
California State Assembly Judiciary Committee
Assemblymember Dave Jones, Chair
Assemblymember Van Tran, Vice Chair

Source: California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization

CONTACT: Lisa Yates, +1-916-552-2650, cell +1-916-215-9550,
lyates@acsquantum.com, for California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization

NOTE TO EDITORS: Contact Lisa Yates at 916-552-2650 to schedule interviews.

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