Auto Racing Safety and Injuries

Toxic Fume Inhalation

Drivers and those in the crew are exposed to an abundance of toxic fumes, including burning rubber, gasoline, and second-hand cigarette smoke. Breathing these fumes day in and day out not only takes a toll on your respiratory system, it could put you at a greater risk for cancer; though, no documentation has been recorded (but it’d be great study).

Possible Explosion

Referencing the above, a lot of the pit crew tend to smoke…around the cars. While this is a rarity, it’s worth mentioning because smoking in the pit happens more than it should!

Hearing Damage

Car races are extremely loud and can rival a rock concert! Racing puts a driver at risk for serious hearing loss if they forego earplugs; although, it’s common practice these days for drivers and crews to wear them. But, it’s the long-term exposure that puts them at the greatest risk.

Dehydration

It’s no secret that the cars, and the drivers in them, get extremely hot. Combined with long races and constantly perspiring drivers with little to no water breaks available, it easily leads to dehydration. Drivers have even been known to get blood clots that keep them from racing for up to six months at a time.

Substance Abuse Issues

Dakar Rally is the most dangerous and gruesome tournament in the world of motorsports. Even though the event is currently in South America, it poses immense dangers. This man-made circuit is 9,000km and packed with hazards and unforgiving terrains.

• Head injury is the most common type of trauma in a motorsport event
• Spinal Trauma
• Thoracic Injury
• Abdominal Trauma
• Extremity Trauma
• Burns
• Loss of limbs and eyes
• Low Back Strains – tiny tears or damage in the muscles or ligaments of the low back
• Sacroiliac (SI) Dysfunction – pain around the sacrum, just below the lumbar spine
• Tendinitis – inflammation of the tendons, especially elbows, knees, wrist and shoulder
• Plantar Fasciitis – pain and inflammation of the plantar fasciitis, a thick band of tissue running from the calf to the foot
• Knee Injuries – pain or injury that affects the flexing (bending) or extending (straightening) of the knee
• Shoulder Injuries – pain or injury to the clavicle (collarbone), scapula (shoulder blade) or humerus (upper arm bone)
• Ankle/Foot Injuries – soft tissue or other injuries that affect the mobility of the feet and ankles
• Hand Injuries – fractures, cuts, lacerations, dislocations or other injuries to the hand including carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow
• Bone Bruise – a traumatic injury that results from forceful impact or a direct hit
• Cervical Strain – a musculoskeletal issue often characterized by neck pain or dysfunction
• Muscular tightness/weakness – upper motor neuron degeneration and spasticity (tightness) or lower motor neuron degeneration (weakness)
• Rib Head – rib pain caused by the misalignment or subluxation of joints
• Concussions – a brain injury that is caused by a sudden blow to the head or to the body that shakes the brain within the skull.
• Illitobial Band – tightness or pain associated with the iliotibial band, a ligament that runs down the thigh from hip to knee
• Death

 To all you gamers out there and love all things Auto Racing, see the list of PS games for you to enjoy in the links

https://www.playstation.com/en-za/editorial/this-month-on-playstation/great-racing-games-on-ps4/

https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-ps4-racing-games

Please note: I do not take any responsibility for an accident, disability, death, public liability, third party, medical costs, destruction of property, damages to self or others, destruction of all equipment, disability, personal liability, general liability, self-harm, suicide, harm to livestock, harm to animals, harm to children and intentional bodily harm, for using any of the listed products and suppliers. Please consult with the manufacturers and instructors, when buying the equipment that is suitable for you.

If you think you have what it takes to compete in this sport and for the love of it, consult with your clubs and governing bodies. They will provide all the answers you need to get started.

When you are ready to take on this hectic sport, Please take a moment and bow for people that are disabled, that cannot take part in such sports.

My views, comments and content are strictly are of my own opinion and researching and are not governed or influenced by any marketing of companies or brands. It is of my own free will to mention companies and brands that supply sporting equipment pertaining to the sport in a discussion.