Ignorance or volume

[dustonian]

Sure, but just because people do it all the time doesn't mean it isn't operator error. People also take their brake hand completely off the rope while using a grigri all the time, but it is still their fault if the cam doesn't engage. Same thing with falling with the rope behind your leg and/or not wearing a helmet. You see it every day at the crag... but still your fault if you hurt your head.

[pigsteak]

you'd make a good neo-con, always assuming that someone is to blame. I agree that 95% of accidents are preventable, but there are still true accidents that "just happen" because of a myriad of reasons. for you atheists, call it an act of god if you will.

why am I starting to feel like C2C arguing about this?

[dustonian]

You're right, but those are pretty rare in sport climbing & one-pitch cragging. But there are definitely some accidents not caused by the victims... defective gear and especially rockfall come to mind. I've dodged so many bullets (albeit car-sized, falling ones) over the years, I feel pretty lucky to be alive. A lot of "locals" won't even climb on the north-facing side of Yosemite Valley because rockfall is more frequent there, but I almost became roadkill at the base of El Cap on the other side too... and the valley isn't even "alpine." Don't even want to think about chosspiles like Cannon Cliff in NH or Wallface in the Adirondacks. It's pretty much a roll of the dice every time you climb on exfoliating granite, gneiss, schist, ice, snow, etc. Nice to clip bolts and crag in relative "safety" for a change!

[allah]

I was just thinking the same thing Piggy as I read this thread. Baby Jesus is smacking us down with his big baby Jesus hand. FBJ!

[Rollo]

it was easier to find a mentor.

Funny you should say that... I asked you multiple times to do some trad mentoring with me.
Now... My death is on your head.

[kato]

Hey, you never call, you never write... I'll go out with you anytime, if you can handle the rugrats running around with us.

[Rollo]

you are right.... i'm a terd.

i'll be calling!