Outdoor Accidents

Entries from November 2007

Thursday, November 29. 2007

Rocky Mountain National Park Hiker Killed By Falling Tree

In the words of another blogger, "If a tree falls in the woods, watch the f*%# out." In the Wild Basin area of RMNP, a 68-year-old Boulder, Colo., hiker was killed by a dead Douglas fir that blew over Tuesday during heavy winds gusting up to 50 mph.

"Winds are not uncommon, but the fact a tree has blown over and hit an individual is very rare indeed," said Larry Frederick of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Another one of those hazards you don't think about when you set out for a hike. Bears, yes. Mountain lions, yes. Lightning, yes. Getting your arm trapped under a boulder and having to cut it off with a multi-tool, yes. Trees falling on you? Shit, add it to the list, I guess.

Via Out There.

Posted by Runout in Hiking, National Parks, Outdoor Accidents at 00:01 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, November 26. 2007

The Plague Confirmed As Cause of Death In Grand Canyon

Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. We all know that. A fall off a cliff. Avalanches. Bad weather. Lyme disease. All potentially fatal. But up until today we didn't think we had to worry about diseases circa the 1300s. But damn it, we've re-read this article twice now and they definitely refer to the cause of death of this wildlife biologist in the Grand Canyon as the plague. Perhaps we're just being a bit alarmist, but when we read the plague, we immediately think THE PLAGUE. You know, the black death. Bubonic plague. Rats in Europe spreading a disease that wiped out 2/3 of the population. Sure 13 cases a year isn't cause for alarm, but we're just saying. Be on guard.

Posted by GetOutdoors in Outdoor Accidents, Outdoor Health at 01:14 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

Friday, November 16. 2007

Legal Advice If You're Hit By A Car On Your Bike

Saw this on a blog today. Can't remember where it was, so if it was your blog, let me know. I come close to getting hit by a car a couple times a day. Granted I blow through stop signs and lights regularly, ride through traffic at high speeds, and generally ride recklessly, or as I like to put it aggressively. But for those of you law abiding riders, if you ever get hit, it's good to protect yourself. Legally and physically. BicycleLaw has a few tips:

ALWAYS wait for the police to respond to the accident scene so that an official report will be filed.
YOU should not attempt to negotiate with the at-fault driver. He or she may not give you accurate information about their identity, insurance coverage or vehicle ownership.
THE ACCIDENT scene should be investigated for information about how the accident occurred.
SEEK prompt medical treatment for you injuries. This is proof that you were in fact injured and the medical records generated by the medical provider will help establish the extent of your injuries.
LEAVE your bike and other damaged property in the same state as it was after the accident.
DO NOT communicate with the insurance company before consulting with an attorney.

Of course, since it's a website for a law firm, what they really want to writes is, Don't Forget to Sue, Sue, Sue. But that's a given, I guess.

Posted by climb_ca in Cycling, Outdoor Accidents at 00:00 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, November 13. 2007

Climber In Yosemite dies

An Oakland man died Sunday after bad weather trapped him and his partner on Cathedral Peak overnight. After retreating off the peak, they managed to get to within 1.5 miles of Tioga Pass Road the next morning, when one of the two could go no farther. His partner left him to go for help, but when rescuers returned, found the climber dead. The death is believed to be weather related. More information on SF Gate.

Posted by GetOutdoors in Outdoor Accidents at 00:06 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)