Measures that were introduced over the past ten years to improve the safety of Grand Prix motor racing have not reduced death rates or controlled speed, according to a report that appears ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Several regulatory and technical changes had been agreed by organizers over the past decade to improve driver safety. These included reductions in the size of engines, grooved tyres, and telemetry (two way radio frequency data transfer). However, the authors explain that drivers continue to die, as do serious injuries in Formula One, and Moto GP competitions.
In 1979 there were 28 deaths in all types of motor racing – in 2006 the figure was 37 (45 deaths in 2005). In motorcycling, although death rates have dropped, the rate of serious injury remains stubbornly high, say the authors.
Since 1995 lap times have also gone down steadily. A record Formula One speed of nearly 230 mph (370 kph) was achieved in 2004.
The authors argue that while safety improvements should not be too restrictive, they do, however, need to have some impact.
The authors suggest that:
— Cornering speeds should be reduced
— Vehicles should be heavier and safer
— Barriers around the track should be strengthened – a measure to protect both the driver and spectators
— The protective clothing used by drivers should be improved
The authors argue “Since driver safety comes ahead of spectacle and business, it is not acceptable that drivers continue to die and or be seriously injured. Drivers’ injuries are an unsustainable price to pay for the show.”
“Changes in technical regulations and drivers’ safety in top-class motor sports”
G Lippi, GL Salvagno, M Franchini, GC Guidi
British Journal of Sports Medicine; doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2007.038778
http://bjsm.bmj.com
Written by: Christian Nordqvist