Norms need to be practical, sensible

Safety norms in motorsport is a large and complex subject. In saying so, one also needs to adopt a practical approach with a lot of common sense added to it. Accidents can happen due to driver error, faulty equipment or due to a slippery surface, writes Akbar Ebrahim.

Safety norms in motorsport is a large and complex subject. In saying so, one also needs to adopt a practical approach with a lot of common sense added to it. Accidents can happen due to driver error, faulty equipment or due to a slippery surface.

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Let's get to the point. In track safety, we are mainly concerned with internal and external kerbs, position of arches and hoardings around the track, quality of the run off areas, position and structure of the marshall's boxes before each corner, armco barrier — type and positioning, tyre and foam barrier construction, painting and positioning, smoothness of open areas with no ditches or open drainages, smoothness of the tarmac , width of the track, permanent perimeter fencing or walls so as to prevent any intrusions, access roads for medical cars to get to the spot in record time, extrusion and recovery vehicles, type of ambulances and medical expertise , quality and alertness of marshals and communication systems.

Vehicle safety deals with the quality and construction of the main frame or tub, condition of tyres, type of roll cage for cars, type of seat belts and seats for cars and the quality of the maintenance of the overall vehicle. Safety gear and helmets deals with whether they are in line with the specifications laid down by the three international sporting bodies.

Event management safety deals with the personal handling the event, their experience and their knowledge.

The writer is a former national racing champion.