My final comment on the subject ( I promise )
In the '40s, '50s and '60s Formula 1 drivers died at an alarming rate.
Course safety was non-existent. The generally consensus was that racing was
inherently dangerous and if you got in an F1 car you were essentially
signing your life away, even spectators lives were of little value (witness
the 1955 LeMans crash). Drivers, owners and organizers took the same
cavalier attitude toward safety that I have seen in reccent posts ("It's
dangerous. If you don't like it, don't drive. YOU WUSS") Although there were
small improvements nothing substantive changed until one lone voice was
heard in the wilderness - Jackie Stewart campaigned vehemently for better
safety to the point where a driver's strike was discussed. Surely many
drivers, owners and organizers looked down there noses at him, called him
less of a "man" However his bravery to fly in the face of generally accepted
truths has earned him a revered spot in auto racing history. AND ALL DRIVERS
ARE BETTER OFF FOR IT.
While the current issue of Solo II safety is not nearly as extreme as the
above example, the principles are the same: If things can be done to make an
event safer they should be. There should be no stigma attached to those who
voice safety concerns. There is nothing inherently brave in risk. The status
quo is meant to be broken.
Regards,
Alan
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