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At this time of year as the UAE Desert Challenge approaches, I'm often asked by friends "Isn't it dangerous?" and whilst no form of motor sport is entirely without risk, I'm happy to say that in my opinion, everything possible has been done to minimise that risk.
I'm in no hurry to suffer personal injury or to see fellow competitors lying injured around me and I simply wouldn't take part if I thought the hazards were excessive.
My usual answer to the question is that given the choice between having an accident on the Shaikh Zayed Road in a saloon car and having one 150 kms into the Empty Quarter in a race car, I'd prefer the Empty Quarter - at least during the Desert Challenge - every time.
Between them, FIA safety regulations and the contingency measures put in place by race organisers the Automobile Touring Club for the UAE, ensure that I'm wrapped in fireproof clothing, securely strapped inside an immensely strong safety cage, have a plumbed in fire extinguisher system surrounding me, and my vehicle's every move is tracked by satellite.
If the car rolls over, the organisers know about it at pretty much the same time we do. We have instant two way communication, regardless of GSM coverage, to the organisers' centre in Liwa, and a rescue helicopter can be at our side within a maximum of 15 minutes if needed.
Having had to put a few of those systems to the test in previous races, I'm happy to report from personal experience that the roll cages and harnesses do their job, and the helicopter crews know exactly what they're doing.
Not the ideal way to end a day's racing I'll admit, but nobody was hurt and I now have even greater confidence in the safety systems which surround me.
Volunteer marshals give out water at control points along the stage to ensure competitors are well hydrated and they have the authority to stop anyone racing if they appear to be unwell.
A team of paramedics - also all volunteers - attend to medical emergencies and treat minor ailments before they become major problems.
Frankly, as a member of a car racing crew, I couldn't feel any safer, but I'm always left in awe (and questioning the sanity) of the bike riders who compete alongside us.
For them there's no roll cage or harness to keep them safe in the event of a fall, and they suffer far greater exposure to the heat of the sun.
So if you do come to watch the race at any point, we all look forward to seeing you, but save your sympathies for the bikers.
"Good luck and stay safe" to all this year's competitors. See you at the prologue.
- Tim Ansell, car man about town
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