One reason the pastime is so perilous is that some participants use kite strings made of metal, or coated with glass or abrasive chemicals. The aim is to slice the lines of rivals, so as to bring down and capture their kites, with wagers often riding on the outcomes of the aerial duels. Unfortunately, however, the necks of bystanders and motorcyclists have tended to get in the way, resulting in horrific, sometimes fatal injuries from road crashes and cut throats. To reduce the risk, bike and scooter riders have taken to fixing arched rods to their vehicles as makeshift protection against the lethal illegal kite strings.