A recent skiing accident on Sugarloaf Mountain killed a man as he headed to the hospital in the back of an ambulance, according to Bangor Daily News. The accident happened after the 41-year-old skier hit a tree at roughly 3:30 p.m. as he was making his way down the Lower Timberline Trail. He died just a few hours later.Our Bangor ski accident attorneys understand that skiing is a recreational sport many residents take part in for fun. Unfortunately, there are many serious and fatal injuries sustained in the winter activity, many of them preventable. Take the accident that happened last December, for example. You may remember this incident, when high-speed winds contributed to an accident on a Maine ski chair lift that caused skiers to fall 30 feet after the double-chair lift’s cable derailed. According to CBS News, eight skiers were injured and others were trapped for hours. Inspectors with the Maine Board of Elevator and Tramway Safety said that the lift was in fact up to safety code, but was in line to be replaced and was known to be vulnerable to strong winds.
Skiing and Snowboard Statistics from the National Ski Areas Association:
-Average number of fatalities a year over the last 10 years:s40.6
-In 2009/2010, there were 38 people who died.
-Twenty-five of the deaths were skiers and thirteen were snowboarders.
-There were more than 10 million skiers and snowboarders in 2008.
There are a few simple ways that skiers and snowboarders can help to reduce risks of injury or death while skiing. If you enjoy hitting the snowy, white hills, please review the following safety tips. Consider sharing them with friends and family members to help to increase their safety, too.
Skiing Safety Tips:
-Wear a helmet. It isn’t mandated, but it is recommended by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the National Ski Patrol (NSP).
-Get your exercise. You’ll have more fun and be safer on the slopes if you’re in good physical shape. Exercise before you plan on hitting the hills.
-Make sure you have the proper ski equipment. Get your gear from a ski shop or a ski resort. It’s extra important to make sure that your boots fir properly and that your bindings are properly adjusted.
-You’re urged to wear a helmet.
-Be ready for the weather by wearing layers of clothing. Bring an extra pair or mittens or gloves, in case the first pair gets wet.
-If you’re not a veteran skier, get some ski lessons from a professional before heading out.
-Wear ski goggles.
-If you feel tired, take a break.
-Be sure to eat and drink plenty. Skiing burns a lot of energy.
-Always ski with a buddy so you can look after each other.
-Know your limits. Never try a ski trail that’s above your skill level.
-Always follow the rules of the slope and never go off trail. Trails are marked for a reason and trail closures are to help reduce the risks of injury.
-Remember that skiers who are in front of you, and below you, on the trail have the right-of-way.
Contact the experienced injury lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates if you or a member of your family has been injured in a ski accident in Bangor or in any of the surrounding areas. Call 1-800-804-2004 to make a appointment to speak to an attorney about your case.
Additional Resources:
Skier’s widow: Published story of ambulance ‘horrors’ is ‘not even touching the surface’, Bangor Daily News, by Seth Koenig,
More Blog Entries:
Sugarloaf chair lift derails injuring, stranding skiiers, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, December 28, 2010