Racing Safety Equipment Failures

Drivers: "I want to be safe on track."

Also Drivers: "you really expect me to read that 400 page GCR?"

Also Drivers: "that <insert safety item> costs HOW MUCH?!?"

Also Drivers: "If I just do <insert ill-advised or untested mod> I bet I can get this through tech."

Also Drivers: "I know it's going to be 98 degrees tomorrow but that 7th brew sounds really good right now."

My point is that people have been racing cars for a long time and overall the rate of injury accidents in club racing is relatively low and declining.  There's a lot to be said for just doing the normal stuff and taking it seriously. Race a proven platform, spend the money on proper safety gear and inspect it regularly, and take good care of the biggest safety variable (driver).  Racing safety is not the place for creativity. 

IMO most racing injuries come from car-to-car incidents with high speed differential. None of us can fully prevent that, you just take all the precautions possible and hope your ticket isn't punched that day. 

ShinnyGroove (Forum Supporter) said:

Racing safety is not the place for creativity. 

Agreed.  Personally I handle this by letting an experienced, trusted race shop do all of the safety-related stuff.  That way I can be sure I'm safe even if I don't understand all of the cage construction rules. :)

I'm all for grassroots DIY stuff, but I know my limits and safety-critical fabrication lies beyond them.