She was 5. You were doing 50. - #RideAnotherDay
By: Katelyn Parker
Downhill skiing is a popular winter sport in Wyoming, but it isn’t without risk. One Wyoming tragedy has resulted in a national campaign to remind skiers to take safety measures and to ski responsibly when exploring the slopes.
On Christmas Eve in 2010, a Casper family decided to spend the holiday at their local ski resort, Hogadon Basin. The Johnsons were experienced skiers and no strangers to the Hogadon slopes. Kelli and her 5-year-old daughter, Elise, were skiing together while her husband skied with their other children on a different run. During one of their runs Elise came out of her skis so Kelli was helping her clip back in when a 23-year-old snowboarder slammed into the mother and daughter going 50 miles per hour. Elise and the snowboarder were killed instantly, and Kelli was hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury.
The Johnson family experienced a devastating loss that day, but they have used their tragedy to start a campaign reminding people to ski safely and responsibly, bringing attention to the possible consequences that reckless behavior can lead to. You may have seen the poster of the snow angel that isn’t accompanied by a child at your local ski resort. The message on the poster reads “She was 5. You were doing 50” and is accompanied by #RideAnotherDay. The 3 tenets of #RideAnotherDay are:
1. Be Ready: Slow down or be ready to slow down and avoid objects or other people. Be sure you can control yourself no matter the conditions.
2. Stay Alert: Know who and what is around you, especially skiers and other riders, and be aware of changing conditions.
3. Plan Ahead: If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, don’t go full-bore. Take it easy, learn the run and make notes where you might want to slow down next time.
If you are planning on hitting the slopes it is imperative that you follow these tenets to ensure the safety of yourself and others. It only takes a second and one mistake or bad decision to forever alter a life. Tragedies such as the one the Johnsons experienced are often avoidable and it is up to each and everyone us to employ good decision making to cultivate safe and enjoyable experiences. Ski with your head, follow the tenets and wear a helmet!
