Five things you need to know about Motorsport safety
Motorsports are an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride. A sport like no other, requiring will, bravery and determination. They’re also very dangerous, especially if you participate in them without having the correct safety equipment.
Don’t make the mistake of so many motor sport enthusiasts. Get clued up on what you need to do in order to stay safe while riding.
You can start right here and now, by reading on and discovering five key things you need to know about motor sport safety.
Not all Motorsport safety rules are the same.
The term ‘motor sport’ comprises many different sporting events within it. Whether it be formula racing, rallycross driving, stock car racing, motocross racing or a demolition derby, each type of motor sport is very different from the next.
With that, the safety rules for each of these sports vary a lot as well. If you have taken part in a motor sport before you may have a vague idea, but don’t assume that all rules across the sports are the same. Just because you know the safety regulations for one motor sport doesn’t automatically mean you know them for another.
Before you get involved with a new motor sport, it is therefore vital that you thoroughly study the rules beforehand and understand the safety requirements you need to adhere to. If you don’t, you could end up putting yourself in a very dangerous, even fatal, situation.
Buy yourself some good safety equipment.
As most motor sports involve high speeds, it’s important that you’re well protected in case of an accident. The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ is never more true than when it comes to buying safety gear. That’s not to say you have to spend way beyond your budget, but buying safety gear that you can sensibly afford could make all the difference.
Whether it be safety clothing, such as gloves, boots or a racing suit, or upgrades to your vehicle, you need to take your personal safety seriously. Don’t be arrogant and think you’re a complete badass for not giving a flying ‘F’ about safety. You’ll only end up looking foolish.
Service your fire extinguisher.
Talking of safety equipment, your car’s fire extinguisher is a vital part of your safety arsenal. However, just because you have one already doesn’t mean you’re automatically protected.
Fire extinguishers need regular servicing every two years to ensure they remain effective when called upon. While nobody likes to think of themselves in a fiery situation, it would really not be good to find yourself in one without a working fire extinguisher. Get yours checked and you can then rest assured you’ll be protected should you ever need it.
If you don’t already have a fire extinguisher, the type you need to get will depend on the motor sport you are doing. Plumbed-in fire extinguisher systems are generally considered a better choice than handheld systems, but it really depends on the specific sport you’re doing and how likely it is that you’ll need to use it.
Invest in a good helmet.
A decent helmet can make all the difference when it comes to an accident. Human brains aren’t designed to collide with hard ground so it makes sense to protect your noggin as best you can.
However, it’s not just the safety aspect that helmets can help with. Spending a bit more and having a helmet fitted to your head could make your ride a lot more comfortable, and even improve your performance. After all, when it comes to motor sport, you move at such high speeds that it’s vital to have as few distractions as possible. A decent helmet can keep your sole focus on the track in front of you and give you the confidence that your head is in safe hands.
Pay attention to safety briefings. Every. Single. One.
Regardless of how many races you may have done, or how many events you may have attended, it is still essential that you listen carefully to each safety briefing. Never assume you know all the safety information already. Each event, track and race are different, so it’s imperative that you pay attention to what the organisers tell you.
Motorsports chop and change their rules all the time. Take Formula One’s Abu Dhabi double-points catastrophe for example. Just because one event has one set of rules doesn’t mean that it applies to another. Stay observant and keep an eye on Motorsport UK and the FIA for any updates.
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