Families For Life | Heed Your Need For Speed

Go on, floor it.

But before you do, make sure you are on a racetrack. Go-karting can be a family time that keeps you on the edge as you stay on the safe side. Safety first, danger last. Learn how you can have fun while playing safe.

Helmet

Head trauma is the Number 1 go-karting injury. A helmet not only protects the head against impact; it also shields you from any flying debris. Tie up loose hair and tuck it away in the helmet so it does not get caught in moving parts. It is, of course, better to prevent a crash instead. Practise good road safety habits.

Safety Belt

Buckle up. It is not called a safety belt for nothing. At speeds of 70 - 100 km/h (even an astonishing 250 km/h for superkarts), you need it. There are two kinds safety belts - lap belt and three-point belt. Compared to unrestrained occupants, occupants using a lap belt had a 38% lower injury rate while users of three-point belts had a 41% lower rate of all injuries compared with unrestrained occupants. Whatever it is, there is no debate over the effectiveness of safety belts.

Supervision

Most accidents happen because of the lack of supervision. Adult supervision provides responsibility for any activity. That is paramount for safety. A level of supervision also commands respect for equipment. It is essential to use equipment appropriate for any sport to ensure safety. Checking your equipment is a critical part of minimising risks.

Family gatherings need not be stiff affairs; go-karting can be an exciting activity for everyone. The hairpin turns may be lightning quick but the memories will last for a long time. Just heed safety to enjoy the thrills without the spills. Find out where you can experience go-karting in Singapore here.

Now burn rubber and give Lewis Hamilton a run for his money.