The story about the fat guy is true.

The extra safety grippers are very good at keeping you out of the trap. I have mine on a lanyard that is long enough to work on the set while still around my neck.
This way I can't forget it.

Another important lifesaving tip is: Never reach under the ice to check your trap. You can get killed that way.
If you have to use your hands, ALWAYS have a hole big enough to get the set off trap through while it is on your arm. People have died from not following this advice.