NEWS4U | SPORTS
WITH BILLY EGELER Safety first: taking extra precautions should be foremost in minds of area drivers
W
ith the horrible tragedy that happened at Southern Ohio Speedway recently, I've found myself thinking about the safety of racers now more than ever. It's sad that it takes something like this to open eyes and make you think about what can be done to keep this from happening again. I have often wondered why anyone would climb in a race car without the maximum amount of safety equipment. Is it because the racer thinks he or she can't get hurt? Nothing like that can happen to me? Or is it lack of funds and or knowledge? Racers will spend their last dime in most cases for that extra 1 or 2 horsepower, new tires or to make their car look good. Yet they won't spend the extra money for items MADE to help keep them safe. The guys in modified and late models should really stop and think about something... Almost EVERY car has a window opening of 11" - maybe a touch more on some. Add in the full containment seats which make it more difficult
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June 2016 • www.evansvillemediagroup.com
getting in, much less getting out. Now let's think about how fast you are able to exit the car in an emergency situation. And if you wear a Hans device (which EVERY driver should), can you get out with it and your helmet on? Most of the time, exiting the cockpit of these types of cars with full safety gear slows down the time or even with the steering wheel still on. Now, let's think about this... Almost EVERY mod or late model has to add weight to be able to "make the minimum requirement." Can't you do your family, friends and ones that care about you a favor and spend the $425 to install an onboard fire suppression system that only weighs eight pounds?? These