Downhill skiers test jacket containing air bags that deploy in falls

Two downhill skiers at a World Cup event in Italy this week are testing a jacket that has air bags that deploy in violent falls.

The Italian manufacturer Dainese developed the protective garment for winter sports and motorcycle riding. It has air bags embedded in the chest, abdomen and back areas.

Werner Heel of Italy and Jan Hudec of Canada wore the jackets during training runs in Val Gardena this week, according to the Associated Press.

International Ski Federation officials have been working with Dainese to develop a system that will deploy the air bags at a point where racers can no longer control their falls.

“We are very close,” men’s World Cup director Guenter Hujara was quoted as saying.

Competitors will reportedly continue with testing throughout the World Cup season.

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