Race drivers not reckless - Summerbell reinforces safety tips

Sheldon Williams, Gleaner Writer

Popular race car driver, David Summerbell Jr, representing Team Summerbell and Total Jamaica, has addressed the misconception that drivers who race competitively are careless. In contrast, he emphasised that safety is a top priority and also put forward a number of safety tips that he believes can enhance road safety.

He was speaking at Wednesday's launch of the 2013 Jamaica Driver and Road Safety Expo and Road Safety 5K at the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew.

"As a race car driver, people often take the view that I am living dangerously and am at greater risk when pushing my 700-plus horsepower Total Team Summerbell Mitsubishi Evolution to the limit around Dover, compared to a regular road user. But even though there is a great risk, there is a great emphasis on safety and I feel very safe in the race car," Summerbell said.

He emphasised the vast difference in driving conditions, not only the road surface but also the vehicle, support systems and other drivers.

"The average road user does not have roll cages, fire extinguisher systems, a closed course, other expert drivers to drive with, and a team of marshalls, medical staff and officials on hand watching every turn and move of the car. The average road user does not stop driving for unsafe track conditions or poor light and does not have a team of mechanics who check every aspect of the car every time it goes out for a drive," he pointed out.

Summerbell identified a number of safety practices, some of which, though they may seem cliché, have proven to be repeatedly relevant and far-reaching in promoting road safety. In addition, all of them are dependent on the driver taking simple precautions.

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"Fortunately, there are quite a lot of things that can be done to minimise risk for hazards on the road. Grennell's Driving School are experts at outlining those things, but an example of a few can be to install a roll cage and put on a crash helmet and become a race car driver," he joked.

On a more serious note, he recommended "regular checks to engine and tyre pressure, replacing old tyres when needed, driving at a reasonable speed, always wearing seatbelts and avoiding talking or texting on a cell phone while driving".

In addition, there is "knowing and obeying the rules of the road, never driving when sleepy or after drinking - even just a few drinks".

"And join a rally or race car club," was his final tip.