The reasons are complex, but the fact that it is a highly popular route is part of the problem. Some people will overestimate their own ability and underestimate the mountain and soon find they are out of their depth. The route starts off right at the roadside and feels very 'friendly' - but by the time you are two-thirds of the way up and the cloud has come in, it can feel a very scary place. Some people turn round, but finding a safe descent route is never as easy as one might expect. Most of the accidents on the north ridge happen to people who are attempting to descend.