Boys and their toys: the older they get, the more expensive the toys, and the more potentially dangerous.

“The one who dies with the most toys – wins,” challenges a plaque set up at a memorial in Sparwood last weekend to celebrate the lives of eight young men who perished in their pursuit of happiness.

“I’d rather die doing something I love than of old age,” a snowboarder was quoted in another avalanche-related tragedy last week.

Brings to mind a trip down the Castle River in a dinghy searching for the perfect fishing hole. The trip was memorable for many reasons, but what stands out is the comment from the navigator as the passenger pleaded with him to get off the river during a lightning storm.

 “Can you think of a better way to die than floating down the river?” I wasn’t ready for that.

It’s a fact of life that boys like to play. It’s not that girls don’t. Just ask my nine-year-old granddaughter, Andy, who came home with a bump on her head after driving an ATV into the side of a house. It was one of her dad’s toys. Her mom was appalled.

But, playing with potentially dangerous toys seems a particular pursuit for boys who continue to be boys long into adulthood. The toys allow them to go faster, higher and farther. Toys also enable boys in their risk-taking. Nothing profound in that: it just is.

A recent National Trauma Registry analysis of ATV (off road vehicles and snowmobiles) injury hospitalizations across Canada showed a steady increase over the nine years of the study, despite a decrease in vehicle sales. The largest increase was in the 20-24-year age group, and 83 per cent of those were males.

Opinions abound on why young men take risks. Some say it’s simply testosterone, a hormone even used to explain why male stockbrokers generally take more financial risks than their female counterparts. Some studies point to the need to attract a female partner, although the study also shows females don’t necessarily agree risk-taking is an asset. Others point to competition as a factor.

According to one study called the Young Male Syndrome, “Successful risk-taking certainly evokes admiration,” and for those who seem to need reassurance of their masculinity, a boast needs to be followed by a challenge accepted. A case study called The Right Stuff – an account of machismo and prestige in test pilots and astronauts – illustrates an attraction of risk-taking: “ The title refers to a coveted, intangible substance that successful daredevils possess. Some men have it and are revered for it; others don't have it and never will. The fact that people accord prestige to successful risk takers in this way only makes sense on the assumption that there is something predictive about past success – that competence, judgment, physical prowess, and good luck are enduring qualities.”

Some involved say it’s just exhilarating.

It’s a given that the consequences can be felt by many more than the risk-taker. Family and friends will continue to plead that they be careful out there.

Some tips on safer snowmobiling:

Snowmobile Safety - Avalanche Safety Tips - Alberta

Snowmobile Safety Checklist - Alberta

Snowmobiling Hand Signals - Alberta

Snowmobiling and the Law - Alberta