| Go Kart Safety: How am I going to drive it? | | | | may or may not apply. |
| Lets face the music. Go Karts are dangerous. | | | | Specifically racing go karts do not have seat belts |
| They are moving vehicles that can slam into | | | | because the object of the belt is defeated in the |
| things, like trees, cars, people and garage doors. | | | | racing style go kart. The occupant is better off |
| They also can flip over and skid along with the | | | | breaking free of the go kart than sticking with it. |
| occupant underneath. (Been there, done that!) | | | | Obviously, however, proper full body safety |
| Go kart engines are hot. Wheels and axles are | | | | protection is required. This can be an extensive |
| spinning. Chains can catch fingers and clothing. | | | | investment. |
| There are all sorts of hazards to a go kart. | | | | Seat belts, however, are required, especially in full |
| There are also hazards to chain saws and | | | | frame gokarts, because if the gokart were to roll, |
| weedwackers too. You can cut off a leg or loose | | | | and the occupant did not have a seat belt, they |
| a toe, if you are not careful. The key here is | | | | would get tangled up in the framework and |
| "careful." | | | | actually get seriously hurt. The roll cage is just |
| What measures are you going to invest in that | | | | that a cage, and not being belted in, the cage |
| will make your riders "Careful?" | | | | becomes the enemy. |
| Obviously a training program is recommended. All | | | | Also make sure that guards and shields are |
| kids should be taught how to ride safely, smartly | | | | considered as part of the safety protocol. |
| and cautiously. This machine is a weapon if used | | | | Legislature regarding gokarts has been passed to |
| recklessly. | | | | make sure that hair is not snagged by moving |
| People outside the go kart are in as much danger, | | | | axles on go karts. The axles are to be shielded to |
| if not more danger than the rider. | | | | prevent entanglement. |
| So proper driving techniques are key. Invest in a | | | | Bottom line is safety involves an attitude about |
| good driver training book if necessary! | | | | driving. Safety also involves proper crash |
| Safety also includes safety equipment like pads, | | | | protection and crash protection equipment. |
| suits, helmets, shoes and gloves. Depending on | | | | You will never eliminate an accident, but you can |
| the environment, but I would suggest always | | | | certainly minimize the chances and the risks of an |
| wearing protective clothing all times when riding a | | | | accident. |
| go kart. An accident is just waiting to happen, | | | | Note: I want it to be understood that I really think |
| especially when you are least expecting it. All it | | | | safety equipment is a great idea. I have heard |
| takes is a blown tire, or a false swerve and over | | | | horror stories that could have been prevented |
| she goes. | | | | with good safety equipment. Be sure to make |
| Seat belts are all the rage, but in go karts they | | | | safety equipment top on your list, and not last. |