Swiss skiers face radar monitors to curb speed

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Swiss skiers are being tracked by radar monitors as part of an insurance company's bid to raise awareness of the dangers of taking to the slopes too fast.

Insurance company Suva said it has set up the radar devices at the Andermatt ski station in the south of Switzerland, and plans to expand to 12 other resorts during the current season.

Skiers are invited to pass by the monitor and then estimate the speed recorded. Those who are correct within two kilometres (one mile) per hour will receive a "small present," the company said.

First results show that most skiers underestimate their speed by 10-20 kph, Suva spokeswoman Marie-Christine Repond said.

"Very few people judge their speed correctly. Skiers can hit 50 kph or even more very...