BFU recommendations: How to minimize the risk of an accident while hiking?

class=”sc-29f61514-0 jbwksb”>

Switzerland is ideal for hiking and has beautiful scenery, it’s no secret. The mountains and valleys are great for exploring on foot. Exercising in the fresh air is healthy and not only good for the body, but also provides relaxation and stress reduction. So it’s no surprise that around 58 percent of the Swiss population take walks regularly, and this sport is becoming increasingly popular.

There are more accidents, as research from the Accident Prevention Advisory Center (BFU) shows. According to current estimates, about 37,000 hikers crash in Switzerland each year. About 5,000 of these cases result in moderate to severe injuries, and 42 people die. Overconfidence and poor preparation often lead to accidents. The BFU draws attention to this issue in a campaign with the Swiss Trail Association and also offers a self-test that can be performed online. The following tips provide more safety while hiking.

Plan your walks carefully

It is very important to be well prepared for any hike. The BFU recommends considering the difficulty of the route and the time required for the entire journey, as well as the physical demands and one’s own abilities. It is also important to note in advance the road conditions and weather in the relevant area. Only people who are fit, down to earth and not dizzy should go on mountain hiking trails.

It is best to travel in groups or in pairs so that you can help each other or call emergency services in an emergency. If you still want to go hiking alone, to be safe, a third party should be informed about the chosen route, the walking time and the expected turn.

use the right equipment

Because hiking in the mountains is not a hike, you should dress appropriately and pack a backpack with a first aid kit, cell phone, map, sunscreen, and supplies, as the BFU recommends. Clothing should be warm and weather resistant. In the mountains, the so-called onion look has proven its worth, where you wear several layers of clothing that you can take off and put back on depending on the temperature.

Special care must be taken when choosing the right walking shoes: they should fit well, be worn before hiking, and have a non-slip profile to provide support even on rough terrain. This can prevent many injuries.

understand the signs

Only half of the population knows what the white-red-white tips on the signs of mountain hiking trails mean, but such signs provide important information for hikers. Before you go for a walk, you should learn the signs and be able to understand them.

Stay focused and alert on the go

Another tip from the BFU that can minimize the risk of walking accidents is to always stay alert when you’re outside. A moment of lack of focus can be enough to take a wrong step and injure yourself. Not only road conditions, but also the weather should be kept in mind, after all, it can change very quickly in the mountains.

Taking breaks to eat, drink, and rest is just as important. This makes more walking easier and allows you to focus more. If you need much more time for the route than planned, or if you or a member of the walking group are tired, you should choose an easier or shorter route and vice versa.

Source : Blick