| You may think that driving a go kart is safe, | | | | actually possible to race go-karts safely? |
| but when you're screaming down the track at | | | | There are two answers to that question. On |
| 160 mph anything is possible. Sure, most go | | | | the one hand, if you are well-prepared with |
| karts do not reach speeds this high, but by | | | | safety in mind it is possible to keep your |
| following a few safety measures you can make | | | | risks low and remain relatively safe on the |
| your go kart experience fun at any speed. | | | | track. On the other hand, any sport can be |
| | | | dangerous if you haven't carefully prepared |
| Back in the olden days, when the only go kart | | | | and throw caution to the wind. |
| tracks in the neighborhood were located at | | | | |
| the nearby family fun centers, accidents were | | | | So exactly how fast are we talking about when |
| few and far between. But with the specialized | | | | we say that go karts reach some amazing |
| go kart tracks and the higher speeds we see | | | | speeds today? A normal racing kart can reach |
| today it is wise to be aware of and to follow | | | | speeds of up to 60 mph. But an enduro kart |
| a few simple safety precautions. With the | | | | can get up to 90 mph and a shifter kart 160 |
| lower speeds of yesteryear it was easy to | | | | mph or possibly even faster. Now that's |
| drive safely, but times have changed. | | | | burning rubber! Flipping your vehicle over or |
| Nowadays you must be aware of what can happen | | | | getting hit from the side at any of these |
| on the track and be prepared for it. But with | | | | speeds is not something you want to do. |
| a little bit of preparation go karting can be | | | | That's why it's important to take precautions |
| a thrilling experience. Racing takes all | | | | at every stage. |
| forms, from ATVs to scooters, from | | | | |
| motorcycles to mopeds, but go karts are the | | | | We have already mentioned that if you don't |
| only form that will give you the thrill of | | | | feel comfortable at these high speeds you can |
| Formula One racing without as much of the | | | | race in a class that matches your experience |
| danger. | | | | level. So don't start sweating just yet. The |
| | | | number one cause of accidents is |
| It's hard losing control of a go kart when | | | | carelessness. And no matter how careful you |
| it's traveling at a top speed of 5 mph, but | | | | may be you must remember that you will be |
| it's a very common thing at 60 mph. It's the | | | | racing against drivers that may not be as |
| drivers who have the attitude "it won't | | | | careful. So race in a class that fits your |
| happen to me" that seem to end up in trouble | | | | comfort zone. |
| more often. And when a driver thinks of his | | | | |
| gokart as a toy instead of a racing vehicle | | | | Helmets are a must at any speed. Find a |
| that's where the trouble can begin. But on | | | | quality helmet that will protect you from |
| the contrary, it's the drivers that take | | | | serious head injury if the unforeseen should |
| safety precautions seriously that have the | | | | happen. Head injuries are usually the most |
| most fun with the least accidents. So driver | | | | serious of injuries when racing and avoiding |
| beware. | | | | these types of injuries is priority number |
| | | | one. Clothing is also important. Go-carts |
| There is a certain amount of risk at any | | | | carry fuel which can catch fire in a crash. |
| speed, but most accidents can be prevented | | | | This is why it's important to wear a |
| with some common sense and preparation. From | | | | fire-resistant racing suit, gloves and |
| the type of go kart you buy to the type of | | | | protective shoes. If the front of your gokart |
| safety equipment you use can determine your | | | | should hit another car or barrier it's the |
| level of risk. Anything is possible once | | | | feet that most often get injured. A special |
| you're on the track, head injuries, broken | | | | pair of shoes can protect you from many foot |
| bones, fires and more. That's why it's | | | | injuries. |
| necessary to have all of your safety measures | | | | |
| in line before actually climbing into your | | | | Buying a safe go kart is another important |
| gokart. | | | | thing to think about. Most gokarts these days |
| | | | have a cage that protects the driver during a |
| The first step to being safe is to race your | | | | rollover. They also have strong side bars |
| go kart in a class that you are prepared for. | | | | that prevent injuries when another driver |
| There are many go cart classes that will | | | | rams into the side of your vehicle. These are |
| cater to every age range from kids to adults | | | | two important safety features that you should |
| and to every experience level from none to | | | | not be racing without. It's better to spend a |
| professional. Learning to drive a go kart is | | | | little extra money on a well-built go kart |
| a skill that can be mastered fairly quickly, | | | | than to skimp and leave yourself less |
| but becoming a great driver may take a much | | | | protected. In order for you to have fun you |
| longer time. It's best to drive in a class | | | | must lessen your risks as much as possible. |
| with drivers of your same experience level. | | | | |
| Once you improve your skills you can then | | | | We have presented only the main safety |
| advance to the next carting level. Racing | | | | precautions in this short article. By keeping |
| against drivers that are much better than you | | | | safety as your number one goal your go |
| can spell trouble on the track, so it's smart | | | | karting experience should be a fun one |
| to move up in class only when you have | | | | instead of a risky one. And with a little |
| acquired the skills to do so. | | | | practice maybe we'll be watching you race |
| | | | alongside Tony Stewart one day. |
| With the high speeds we see today is it | | | | |