I really enjoy watching Dirt Late Models (DLM) race!
When I work races involving DLM's, I am reminded of how much I wish we would make a safety-related change. The window/roll cage configuration is just not practical in terms of the driver getting out in bad conditions. I have worked numerous flips involving DLM's and it is always very difficult for a driver to get out while the vehicle is upside down. Now, let's add a fire to the equation...not sure I like how it might turn out. Having a full-containment seat makes egress even more challenging...and the better seats are NEEDED...think personal roll cage!
It is time for the DLM community to take action on this situation and increase the vertical distance from the top edge of the door tin to the lowest surface of the roof panel/halo bar. This distance, again, is measured vertically...NOT on the diagonal. A practical specification would also be needed for an unencumbered horizontal measurement.
In a perfect world a total change would be made immediately...and it is not a perfect world. In the mean time, I am sure a formula can be worked out to give an advantage (weight, etc) to those who go to the new chassis/cage configuration...time and natural attrition will see the older style chassis going by the wayside.
It is nice to see an increasing number of DLM's using modern techonolgy seats...there are still those who cling to ineffective seats, poor seat mounting ideas, and unsafe seat belt mounting methods. Drivers...if you do not look out for yourselves and move toward safer seats and associated concepts, eventually someone will force the issue.
Remember, everyone goes home standing up!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Equipment maintenance and replacement
The final component of our blog on pre-season maintenance covers personal equipment and equipment on the safety vehicle.
1. Cleaning, of firesuits and other protective items, if not done at season's end. Follow
manufacturers recommendations. Don't forget those helmets!
2. Powered hydraulic rescue tools should be refilled with fresh fuel...engine oil and all
appropriate filters should be changed...a new spark plug makes the power unit as easy to start
as possible. Hoses should be checked for damage or leaks...the fluid level in the reservoir
needs to be checked and refilled as necessary.
3. Medical kits and devices must be inventoried and restocked..expiration dates checked...items
like immobilization devices and back boards need to be cleaned...if used at a dirt track,
consider covering them with plastic bags to keep them as clean as possible.
4. Make sure all rechageable items are fully charged and fully functional. Radios need to be
periodically checked and maintained.
5. Check your personal holster and the like...fresh batteries to flashlights...sharpen knives and
scissors. Lubricate tools as needed. Clean everything!
While these lists are not perfect, they should give you some ideas and serve as memory ticklers to help you be as ready as possible for the upcoming season.
Have a great season...keep yourself and your crewmembers safe!
1. Cleaning, of firesuits and other protective items, if not done at season's end. Follow
manufacturers recommendations. Don't forget those helmets!
2. Powered hydraulic rescue tools should be refilled with fresh fuel...engine oil and all
appropriate filters should be changed...a new spark plug makes the power unit as easy to start
as possible. Hoses should be checked for damage or leaks...the fluid level in the reservoir
needs to be checked and refilled as necessary.
3. Medical kits and devices must be inventoried and restocked..expiration dates checked...items
like immobilization devices and back boards need to be cleaned...if used at a dirt track,
consider covering them with plastic bags to keep them as clean as possible.
4. Make sure all rechageable items are fully charged and fully functional. Radios need to be
periodically checked and maintained.
5. Check your personal holster and the like...fresh batteries to flashlights...sharpen knives and
scissors. Lubricate tools as needed. Clean everything!
While these lists are not perfect, they should give you some ideas and serve as memory ticklers to help you be as ready as possible for the upcoming season.
Have a great season...keep yourself and your crewmembers safe!
Vehicle Maintenance
The second of our pre-season preparation discussions concerns vehicle maintenance. It should be blatantly obvious that safety vehicles need to be kept to a very high standard of maintenance. The long hours they spend idling...the quick transition from idling to moving quickly onto the track surface challenges any vehicle. If the vehicle is used at a dirt track, the challenges are even greater.
The following items, in particular, need inspection and attention:
1. warning lights
2. vehicle electrical system (batteries take a real beating in the summer heat)
3. tires and brakes
4. fluids and filters (replace air, fuel, and oil filters at the start of the season, every season)
5. windows and doors (including tailgate if present)
6. air conditioning (if applicable)
7. belts and hoses
8. spark plugs and ignition wires
It also goes without saying that a thorough cleaning inside and out, including a coat of wax, goes a long way in establishing the appearance of professionalism. Make sure any sponsor decals on your vehicle are in good shape, professionally representing your benefactor.
Failure to properly maintain safety vehicles could be a source of major embarrassment, if not real legal liability if when called upon to respond, the vehicle is unable to make the trip. Given the nature of mechanical devices to fail in spite of good maintenance, we must do all we can to minimize the risks.
Remember, at the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up.
The following items, in particular, need inspection and attention:
1. warning lights
2. vehicle electrical system (batteries take a real beating in the summer heat)
3. tires and brakes
4. fluids and filters (replace air, fuel, and oil filters at the start of the season, every season)
5. windows and doors (including tailgate if present)
6. air conditioning (if applicable)
7. belts and hoses
8. spark plugs and ignition wires
It also goes without saying that a thorough cleaning inside and out, including a coat of wax, goes a long way in establishing the appearance of professionalism. Make sure any sponsor decals on your vehicle are in good shape, professionally representing your benefactor.
Failure to properly maintain safety vehicles could be a source of major embarrassment, if not real legal liability if when called upon to respond, the vehicle is unable to make the trip. Given the nature of mechanical devices to fail in spite of good maintenance, we must do all we can to minimize the risks.
Remember, at the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up.
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