MOTORSPORT SAFETY: A PLANNED APPROACH

THE POPULARITY OF MOTORSPORT venues is at an all-time high. Its continued growth is anticipated as indicated by sponsor/spectator spending and the racing industry's scramble to capitalize on it. Racing venues differ in size and scope from the hometown "mudsling" that's attended by only a handful, to the weekly venues that routinely draw thousands of fans. All of these racing events have common denominators: high-powered vehicles, competitive drivers and crews, large crowds of enthusiastic spectators, vulnerable employees, and the ever-present opportunity for something to go wrong.

Ever since the death of stock car racing's favorite son, Dale Earnhardt, there have been significant improvements regarding driver safety. Other major safety changes have occurred in the pit areas. However, motorsports safety does not pertain just to drivers and teams. According to a recent article published in the Charlotte Observer, there have been 337 racing-related deaths at auto racing venues since 1990. Effective emergency planning includes contingency plans for spectators, vendors, employees, and anyone else that may be in the immediate area. Injuries, medical emergencies, fire control, security, and traffic control are major concerns at every motorsports event. At such events, it is common for fire, police, and emergency medical service personnel to work together. Teamwork, communication, and smooth interaction of these combined forces require an effective management system and training to ensure that everyone is indeed on the same page.

In this effort, the first edition of NFPA 610, Guide for Emergency and Safety Operations at Motorsports Venues, has recently been adopted as a recommended practice.

Copyright National Fire Protection Association Nov/Dec 2004
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