The Peltzman Effect (1975, Sam Peltzman)

[JosiahSpurr]

There's a name for what gets discussed in these forums: "The Peltzman Effect." Briefly, equipment or behaviors which one hopes will result in a safer trip may precede decisions or generate additional behaviors that, in the end, result in a more dangerous trip.

S. Peltzman wrote "The Effects of Automobile Safety Regulation" in the Journal of Political Economy in 1975 in which he controversially suggested that "offsets (due to risk compensation) are virtually complete, so that regulation has not decreased highway deaths".

Example: someone takes snow and ice equipment on a dangerous winter route, but doesn't know how to use or lacks experience using the equipment.

I'm doing a traffic violator's school course: the study material says: "Sam Peltzman concluded... that the mandated use of seat belts led drivers to take more risks behind the wheel that led to injuries and deaths that negated those saved by the belts themselves."

And, technologies (e.g., "self-driving" cars) that reduce a driver's involvement can lead to atrophy of driving skills. Also happens with airplane pilots.

In my own life I'm grateful for mountaineering without unnecessary dependence upon gear or technology because it keeps my internal systems in shape.

[Harlen]

Interesting Josiah,

I feel this absolutely when someone talks me onto a rope. I feel invincible, partly because I trust the rope and the gear too much, and too blindly, not being a tech and gear savvy sort of person. Also, when I have been on a roped climb, it has always been with a more experienced partner.
Free soloing keeps one honest regarding physical ability-- from internal awareness, right through to our fingertips. Is this what you mean when you say: "it keeps my internal systems in shape"?
Thanks for the Peltzman reference--hadn't heard of it.