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Open cockpit auto racing increases the risk for brain injury
Wikipedia Images (U.S. Air Force photo by Larry McTighe)
In recent years years we have been paying more attention to athletes and traumatic brain injury, including auto racing where drivers are exposed to enormous risk. Just in the past two years we have seen tragic accidents producing severe brain injuries such as the one Michael Schumacher survived and the accident which recently claimed the life of Jules Bianchi. Attention has turned to open cockpit racing which ranges from Indy cars to Formula 1 to dragsters. Through misfortune we have learned that open cockpit racing brings greater risk of brain injury from crashes as well as the risk of being hit by flying debris such as the mishap which took the life of Justin Wilson. NASCAR, although not open cockpit, has had its share of brain injuries such as the one which took the life of the NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt.
Cars are being designed to go incredibly fast and safety isn’t keeping up with the speed these cars can attain or the risks of contact with debris from collisions. We know that speed and innovative design attracts people to motorsports. As competent and finely tuned as the drivers are, there are certain types of events which increase the risk of TBI. The pressure is coming on to auto racing authorities to reduce risks of brain injury. I think it can be done without watering down the sport. The thrill of racing is watching a competent driver handle a machine at speed. For me personally, the thrill of racing has nothing to do with exposing the driver to greater risk when small changes to car design could save lives. While claiming personal injury after a car accident you should remember to call an attorney to help seal loopholes and attain justice.
