Safety In Motorsport is a very important thing to take into consideration when participating in motor sport. Not only does it protect the drivers but also the spectators and everyone else involved. The sport is very dangerous and therefore all participants must be aware of this and take the necessary precautions. The best way to ensure this is by listening carefully to every safety briefing at the event and taking note of the rules. This is because each event, track and race will have its own unique rules and it’s important that all drivers are aware of this.
Safety has become a major priority in Safety In Motorsport over the years following many tragedies. Whether it was the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger in 1994 or Jules Bianchi’s fatal crash in 2014, these incidents have changed the landscape of motor racing for the better. It’s taken some time but today, drivers are much safer than they have ever been.
The reason for this is the advancements in technology, especially when it comes to the cars themselves. Cockpits are now a lot more enclosed and have seatbelts that are designed to reduce the force of an impact. They also have airbags that are designed to prevent head injuries should a driver be forced from their vehicle. Additionally, modern helmets are made of materials like Kevlar or carbon fibre that can withstand severe impacts and also have sensors that alert race control to any changes in speed or acceleration.
Spectators are also kept safe by safety barriers that prevent them from being injured by flying debris during an accident. Furthermore, raised walls around the edge of the track help keep them away from the cars as well. In addition, the introduction of the safety car in Formula 1 has helped to slow down the field and protect any drivers that may be stranded or involved in an incident.
In the past, marshals were often the first on the scene of an accident and as such played a crucial role in helping to minimise damage. Luckily, marshals are now trained in First Aid as well as fire safety and incident handling. Additionally, the Clear to Steer programme aims to decrease dehydration and heat illness in motorsport participants by increasing safe hydration policies, environments, knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Moreover, it’s important for participants to understand that there’s always more that can be done to improve safety. As a result, those who participate in motor sport should seek insurance and risk management advice. This will help them to assess their individual exposures, build comprehensive cover and maintain fair premium pricing for their risks.