Airbags Lull Off Piste Skiers In To False Sense of Security

Safety gadgets such as avalanche airbags are giving skiers a false sense of security with many taking unnecessary risks while going off-piste according to travel insurance policy provider Alphatravelinsurance.co.uk

While the contentious subject of skier safety and helmet usage has been brought to the forefront of consumers' minds in recent years, there is a risk of creating an illusion of safety, with several reported incidents of safety gadgets causing harm instead of protecting its user, the company says.

In one case reported to the company this year, a skier was caught in an avalanche while skiing off-piste. Although he was prepared and was wearing an avalanche airbag, the deployment apparently sent him hurtling into a tree.

"Attitudes in the holiday industry are changing, with the onus being put back onto the customer when it comes to safety," said Chantelle Dadd, brand manager for Alphatravelinsurance.co.uk

"With that in mind, injuries that involve another person carry a risk of being part of a liability claim later on, with the injured person(s) able to make a claim within three years after the incident, and children being able to do so until the age of 21. The rising popularity of personal injury lawyers reflects the way in which our culture is changing, showing that incidents while on holiday can extend beyond your own personal claim for medical expenses, often incurring hundreds of thousands of pounds, if not more," added Chantelle Dadd.

So do helmets.

It's like thinking it's alright to run around in traffic if you are wearing body armor. Common sense still must prevail. Yes, same with helmets.

This is a common phenomenon. While cars have become infinitely safer over the years, the benefits have been significantly undermined by faster and/or more reckless driving.

There are also studies that suggest that wearing cycle helmets actually increases injuries, though there are suggestions that this is partly because drivers are more careful around cyclists who are not wearing helmets :roll:.

In sports, especially rugby, players are happier to commit more recklessly to tackles because of protective gear. However, all the indications are that injuries are rising.

On a side issue, I just renewed my annual travel insurance. It does cover me for winter sports including off-piste (unless the off-piste is closed, guide required, beyond my capability, etc). Curiously, and I think this is new, it does appear to exclude skiing in fun parks (unless you are under 50 and pay an additional premium) :twisted:.

Did I read you right?

Your insurance does NOT cover you if:

"You hire a guide" - does that not make it safer?

"Beyond my capability" - How can they quantify something subjective?
(actually I know the answer to that, insurance companies love wildcard excuses to deny claims)

and

If your over 50 you can't play in fun parks?

I'm going to hire a guide, to ski above my ability in a closed fun park!!!

(yes, I'm over 50)

CanadianSkier wrote:Did I read you right?

Your insurance does NOT cover you if:

"You hire a guide" - does that not make it safer?

"Beyond my capability" - How can they quantify something subjective?
(actually I know the answer to that, insurance companies love wildcard excuses to deny claims)

and

If your over 50 you can't play in fun parks?

I'm going to hire a guide, to ski above my ability in a closed fun park!!!

(yes, I'm over 50)

I think he meant that insurance doesn't cover you if you had accident while skiing off-piste without a guide where a guide is required. This is bit vague I agree, and can be very subjective. I don't think a guide is required for off-piste unless it involves skiing on glaciated terrain with crevasses etc. but I am afraid insurance companies will apply their own criteria if it helps them to avoid paying.

SO, back to the original topic. MY last Avi Course was a few years back and I can't remember the statistics of all avalanche fatalities, how many were caused by trauma vs. asphyxia, etc. This would speak to the effectiveness of device that "floats" you in an avalanche. Even if you claimed that of the 100 fatalities, 20 lives might of been saved by such a device. (This is just a wild ass guess on my part to make a point).

It really would not matter. And the real point is this. Countless thousands of lives are saved every year by making good decisions in the back-country. A device is no substitute for education, awareness and thoughtful decision making.

So, I am agreeing that things like this vest do instill a false sense of security.

Let's hope users of these things have also spent time and money on avalanche training and regularly practice their skills if they are going into avalanche terrain.

And yeah, OK, if someone wants to say "If it saves only one life...." I give you that point.

Found this, does not address flotation devices for snow, but interesting none the less.

Comparison of avalanche survival patterns in Canada and Switzerland
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3080528/.