It's a sad day when a skier dies. Natasha Richardson, a 45 year old actress died of blunt impact to the head while taking a private lesson on a beginner's trail at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort near Montreal Canada yesterday. The accident occurred on Monday.

Imagine, taking a lesson, falling and ultimately dying of a blunt impact to the head. It is widely agreed upon that skiing is a relatively safe sport, and she was just taking a lesson, not tree skiing, bouncing down a mogul trail or racing down a double-black diamond, but just an accidental fall that ultimately caused her death.

It was revealed by Yves Coderre, director of operations at the emergency services company that sent medics to the Mont Tremblant resort that Ms Richardson was up and walking around and didn't appear to be hurt.

According to a news release, Coderre said that victims of head trauma often believe they are fine, a mistake that can cost them their lives.

Would a helmet have helped?
Richardson was not wearing a helmet at the time of the Monday accident. Would a helmet have helped save her life? Maybe. Maybe not. The ski industry is still out on that judgment. Statistics from the National ski Areas Association has found that 43 percent of skiers and riders wear helmets. Usage increases about four to five percent a year, according to a Fox News report.

Helmets may not prevent all injuries from either being serious or causing death, but the sure can help. Ski and snowboard injuries occur when you least expect it.

Speaking with other skiers over the past couple of days, I've come to the conclusion that some skiers and riders think that a helmet givers them a false sense of security.

It disturbs me also to see ski patrolers, ambassadors and ski instructors at ski resorts not wearing helmets. They should be setting an example to new and not-so-new skiers while on the job. If you're off the clock and out of uniform, you can do as you please. Ski resorts should make it mandatory.

As a veteran skier and writer, I've signed off ski columns encouraging skiers and riders to wear a helmet, as you can see below. Helmets are comfortable, warm and they do protect your head from many injuries. Don't worry about spoiling that hairdo. You can go to your stylist another day.

So, parents put lids on kids … and set a good example, put one on your head too.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet!