safety thongs

The other day I witnessed a disturbing incident. Most think it's not a problem or a safety concern. A fellow flyer who just finished a Sterling P-38 twin was flying in a area which we probably shouldn't of been. Nonetheless without a safety thong on his handle. Plane was launched and it's anybody's guess to what happened but I firmly believe the lines caught on a unwanted weed. Plane turned and prior to almost hitting him, it went up at a 60 deg angle and climbed even steeper as it gained speed. The two Fox .15X's were on and the plane ripped the handle out of his hand so fast he couldn't believe it. Thankfully, the plane was flying away from where spectators gathered. However, the plane kept climbing to about 60' and possibly higher where it got caught in a treetop. I'm not certain if anyone ever experienced getting hit with lines but I have flying combat. It hurts and it hurts bad not too mention it cuts you like a razor. Don't be foolish like my friend, use a safety thong. A simple braided rope, anything. While it may not be totally acceptable, I've sen them attached to the down line with a scissor clip. Just something to direct the plane down and stop the inertia.