Vision—An Essential Factor for Safety in Skiing: Perception, Reaction, and Motion Control Aspects

Abstract

Observation and perception errors in combination with lack of attention explain the majority of all falls in skiing. This associates vision and vision deficiencies with safety aspects in skiing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of reduced visual acuity on the reaction time of a skier in safety-critical skiing situations. For this purpose, field experiments were conducted in the 1995/96 winter season. The subjects had to pass over a prepared ledge in the terrain and react to simulated obstacles, which were partly blocking the course. All experiments were video recorded; in total more than 220 trials were conducted. We tested three different types of obstacles: ice patches, a standing skier, and a skier just starting to move. Two experimental conditions were examined, normal visual acuity and a reduced visual acuity. The acuity reduction to 20% of normal was achieved by the use of special goggles. From the videotape, the subjects' time for an evasive action was determined and statistically analyzed. No significant change of the reaction time with reduced visual acuity could be seen for the bigger obstacles i.e., the standing skier and the moving skier. However, with the simulated ice patches, the increase of the reaction time was significant (p = 0.01) with an average increase of 35%. From the obtained results it is concluded that skiers not wearing their corrective lenses may feel safer than they really are. They can perceive larger, stationary, or moving objects, however they might not be aware of the risk from low-contrast obstacles.

Do Ski Helmets Affect Reaction Time to Peripheral Stimuli?

“…Peripheral vision is an essential factor for safety in alpine skiing. 10 Skiers are advised to moderate speed on visibility considering the rules of the International Ski Federation to avoid collisions with other skiers. Collisions frequently lead to polytrauma and are likely to involve the head.…”

Does Listening to Music With an Audio Ski Helmet Impair Reaction Time to Peripheral Stimuli?

“…However, ski helmet use seems to be related to various factors, as studies have demonstrated that helmet use was more frequent among younger compared with older age groups, locals compared with tourists, as well as skilled skiers compared with less skilled skiers [ 16 , 21 ] . A common reason reported for helmet non-use is a limited fi eld of vision [ 5 , 14 ] , and peripheral vision is an essential factor for safety in alpine skiing [ 19 ] . According to the rules of the International Ski Federation, skiers and snowboarders are advised to adjust their speeds based on visibility [ 8 ] .…”

“…Even though our results indicate that ski goggles increase reaction time to peripheral vision, we still recommend the use of ski goggles during skiing or snowboarding for their protection against ultra violet light [ 1 ] and tearing of the eyes due to the air stream, which may lead to diminished vision. Such reduced visual acuity could increase reaction times to even more dangerous situations, like avoiding ice patches on ski slopes [ 19 ] . An important limitation must be considered when interpreting our results, which is the use of a laboratory situation in a quiet environment.…”

New Zealand Snow Sports Injury Trends Over Five Winter Seasons 2010–2014

“…The visual deficiencies created by foggy goggles, inappropriate lens colour, or no optical correction may account for injury on poor visibility days. Decreased visual acuity has been found to delay reaction-times and the ability to take evasive action [36][37][38]. Regular eye testing and wearing prescription eyewear whilst skiing or snowboarding has been included in the strategy.…”