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Research aims to protect kids in the snow

Friday July 3, 2009 - 09:34 EST

A Canberra researcher is combining with a United States university to study the risks of children injuring themselves while skiing or snowboarding.

The 12-month study will be conducted with children on the slopes of the Snowy Mountains and in the USA.

Studies already show that children are twice at risk of injuries on the snow compared to adults.

University of Canberra researcher Dr Tracey Dickson says they will have children wear hi-tech helmets to work out the impact of any accidents on the snow.

"What are the other impacts that are occurring that don't result in severe injury but give us a better sense of what kids are doing," she said.

Dr Dickson says the study will look at how to prevent serious injuries and whether equipment like helmets work.

"Most of the time you're OK, it's what happens when things go wrong and that maybe a consequence of somebody else's decision, not yours," she said.

- ABC

© ABC 2009