Sad day for US Rallying...
Sad day for US Rallying...
Just relaying to any rally fans here, that we had (to my knowledge) the first spectator casualties in US rally history over the weekend. I wasn't there, but I did run Ski Sawmill 3 years ago when a car that went off resulted in the co-driver losing his life (that was my first rally ever too!). As a competitor news of this sort change you, and it takes a while to overcome...
If anyone here is thinking of spectating a rally event this year, please be mindful of the fact that even though the driver is not "trying" to crash, anything can happen at anytime, regardless of experience level and conditions (brakes can fail for example). Spectating in marshaled areas only is best for your safety, always following the directions of the marshals is for your safety too... never stand in the road, and try to have objects that provide cover between you and the cars (trees, rocks, high banks).
I have no knowledge of the details of this incident, so my comments are just meant as general guidelines. For all I know these 2 people did exactly what they were supposed to and it was bad luck. Nothing can save you from bad luck.
Of course, my thoughts are with the families of those affected, and I hope our sport can survive this tragedy and come out stronger and safer for everyone. The official SCCA press release can be found at http://www.scca.org/news/press03_31.html
Pablo.
If anyone here is thinking of spectating a rally event this year, please be mindful of the fact that even though the driver is not "trying" to crash, anything can happen at anytime, regardless of experience level and conditions (brakes can fail for example). Spectating in marshaled areas only is best for your safety, always following the directions of the marshals is for your safety too... never stand in the road, and try to have objects that provide cover between you and the cars (trees, rocks, high banks).
I have no knowledge of the details of this incident, so my comments are just meant as general guidelines. For all I know these 2 people did exactly what they were supposed to and it was bad luck. Nothing can save you from bad luck.
Of course, my thoughts are with the families of those affected, and I hope our sport can survive this tragedy and come out stronger and safer for everyone. The official SCCA press release can be found at http://www.scca.org/news/press03_31.html
Pablo.
Man that's horrible news
While usually safe and a lot of fun, this shows you just how dangerous spectating at a Rally can be. My deepest sympathy to both of the spectators' families.
While usually safe and a lot of fun, this shows you just how dangerous spectating at a Rally can be. My deepest sympathy to both of the spectators' families.
To add to bluedot's advice, avoid standing on the outside of a turn. If a car is going to lose control, it will most likely be towards the outside of the turn it is negotiating. Also, sometimes the best places to watch are also the safer places to watch. If it's your first rally, ask veteran spectators and marshalls what views they like best and why. It's very rare to get injured if you're using your head.
Good points urbanknight.
There has been some info on what happened, and it seems the accident occured after a high speed jump. The car lost control on landing and from the indications of the only other person at the scene, it seems that perhaps the 2 people hit were not in a spot that would have been considered unsafe. They were both rally competitors themselves, probably helping out one of the crews that was running, and as such would have known what spots are safest.
You can visit the forums over at http://www.specialstage.com/ if you are interested in learning more.
Pablo.
There has been some info on what happened, and it seems the accident occured after a high speed jump. The car lost control on landing and from the indications of the only other person at the scene, it seems that perhaps the 2 people hit were not in a spot that would have been considered unsafe. They were both rally competitors themselves, probably helping out one of the crews that was running, and as such would have known what spots are safest.
You can visit the forums over at http://www.specialstage.com/ if you are interested in learning more.
Pablo.
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Originally posted by bluedot
Good points urbanknight.
There has been some info on what happened, and it seems the accident occured after a high speed jump. The car lost control on landing and from the indications of the only other person at the scene, it seems that perhaps the 2 people hit were not in a spot that would have been considered unsafe. They were both rally competitors themselves, probably helping out one of the crews that was running, and as such would have known what spots are safest.
You can visit the forums over at http://www.specialstage.com/ if you are interested in learning more.
Pablo.
Good points urbanknight.
There has been some info on what happened, and it seems the accident occured after a high speed jump. The car lost control on landing and from the indications of the only other person at the scene, it seems that perhaps the 2 people hit were not in a spot that would have been considered unsafe. They were both rally competitors themselves, probably helping out one of the crews that was running, and as such would have known what spots are safest.
You can visit the forums over at http://www.specialstage.com/ if you are interested in learning more.
Pablo.
I was there and can assure you that the place wasn't unsafe. I was 50 feet away and considered my location safe. It was just a fluke that he went off where he did. It wasn't quite a jump, but more like a yump where the car gets light.
Moral: Nowhere is safe
Pete
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