Monday, April 27, 2009

Talladega Crash Raises Safety Questions at Live Sporting Events


AP photo captures the horror in progress.


The official story is seven fans sustained “minor” injuries when Carl Edwards #99 Ford soared into the restraining fence approaching the finish line during the last lap of competition in the Aaron’s 499 Sprint Cup race. Five fans were administered first aid at the track, while two were airlifted for hospital care. Apparently, one of the victims sustained a broken jaw. THAT’S A MINOR INJURY???? The other person was treated for an undisclosed ailment.

The good news is the fence held up adequately to repel a flying race car. The bad news is in the construction of the fence allowed flying shards of debris to penetrate the fence and strike spectators. It was clear to see what happened during yesterday’s broadcast on the Fox TV network. The grid is too wide to withhold flying auto parts. What’s needed is some additional mesh which is transparent enough to give fans a superb view of the action, but will not allow penetration should an on the track episode send materials flying into the stands.

Major league baseball has used a variety of materials behind home plate which might be helpful as a supplemental material to block out material the stronger heavy grid cannot stop.

Meanwhile, baseball has some work to do. With the rise of maple bats and their tendency to fly to pieces in much smaller, sharper splinters than the traditional ash bats, fans have been injured while on the field players face a new on the field hazard. To what extent MLB is getting control of this issue is not getting much press.

All sports must make the safety of fans and participants their highest priority with zero tolerance for avoidable consequences. Fans must also accept the responsibility for being alert and attentive while attending races, baseball games, or even basketball games where players could be driven into the first rows of spectators. How many of us have been to sporting events where an occasional fan finds conversation on a cell phone more important than the event taking place.

A culture of safety for all involved needs constant reinforcement.

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