There have been 127 accidents on Austrian toboggan runs this winter, and 54 in Tyrol. A year ago there were only 98 and 32 accidents in the comparable period. Shockingly, most of the injured are not wearing helmets.
“In Tyrol that means an increase of about 70 percent,” says Franz Markart, head of training for the Tyrolean Alpine Police, shaking his head in disbelief. The 54 accidents are the highest number in a long time.
The statistics show that 24, 34, 25 and 39 accidents have occurred in the further comparison period since 2019. Most accidents this year took place in the Schwaz district (10), Kufstein, Innsbruck, Imst (7 each) and Kitzbühel (6). Fortunately, there have been no deaths in Tyrol yet.
According to Markart, Tyrol follows the Austrian trend. The number of tobogganing accidents across the country has also risen dramatically this year: from 98 to 127.
Many tobogganers are not familiar with the material
Very often, a sled crash ends fatally – causing serious injury or even death. Riccardo Mizio of the Ehrwald Mountain Rescue Service also confirms this. “We often have to take into account tobogganers who do not wear helmets,” regrets Mizio. And he believes he knows a reason for the numerous accidents: “Many tobogganers do not know the material, sit on the sled and just go for it.”
Just look at the accident figures in context
Sandra Mariner of the Austrian Toboggan Association confirms that about three-quarters of tobogganers who had an accident were not wearing a helmet. Of course, she only wants to look at the accident figures in context.
Avoid the expensive ski area and use the free toboggan run
“Sledding is booming. “Many families can no longer afford to ski and therefore prefer to go sledding,” says Mariner. This development is one of the main reasons for the increase in the number of accidents.
At the same time, more and more schools, parent associations and private individuals are showing interest in toboggan courses. “We have a lot of requests,” she says happily.
Toboggan guides urgently needed
If you would like to learn to toboggan properly with a toboggan guide, you will find contact details on the Toboggan Association website (www.rodel-austria.at). “We will be training new guides in Kühtai in March,” says Mariner. This is how you want to keep up with the rush to toboggan courses.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
