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 recently.

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, ripping down a mogul trail or racing down a double-black diamond run, 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. Unfortunately, this one did.

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. We'll never know. 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.

These young Sugarloafers are setting a good example by wearing helmets. (Dan Cassidy photo) Helmets may not prevent all injuries from either being serious or causing death, but they 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. I'm partially guilty of that thought, but do feel safer while wearing it.

It's disturbing to see the number of ski patrollers, ambassadors and instructors who are not wearing helmets while on the job. They should be setting an example to new and not-so-new skiers and riders. If you're off the clock and out of uniform, do as you please. Ski resorts should make it a policy that when they suit up in their uniform gear, a helmet should be part of that gear.

As a veteran skier and writer, I've signed off my 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 most 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. The new models are lightweight and affordable.

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