Who's At Fault For This Ski Resort Collision?

"Everyone likes to point fingers after a collision on the ski mountain and typically it's not that tough of a task. The downhill skier or snowboarder has the right of way, so the person who comes from behind is at fault. But what if the crash is a side-to-side wipeout? That's where things tend to get a bit more complicated and this wipeout seems to fit into this category."

"Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail. You must prevent runaway equipment. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas."

When collisions occur on ski slopes, downhill skiers and snowboarders have the right-of-way and those approaching from behind are typically at fault. Side-by-side, or side-to-side wipeouts complicate determinations of fault because both parties may have been moving laterally and neither was clearly behind. Fault in such incidents hinges on each person's control, ability to stop or avoid others, and adherence to established responsibilities. The NSAA Skier's Responsibility Code requires staying in control, yielding to people downhill, stopping where visible, looking uphill before entering, preventing runaway equipment, obeying signs, avoiding closed areas, and exchanging information after collisions.

Read at Unofficial Networks