[john teeter]

Only looks like it affects Washington now...but though it was an interesting enough tid bit that others around the US might be interested in...

http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2003-04/House/2150-2174/2169_02282003.txt

*total tounge in cheek statment*

"wonder what the regulators will think when they come look at a Rally driving school?"

I am not implying in any way that the established rally schools in the US are un-safe in any way shape or form.

john

 

[DonSwier]

*sigh*

Just what we need.... MORE regulations!:-(

This is the epitome of "knee jerk", folks.

Do you really think any driving school will thrive if its clientele are maimed or killed?

Of course, no legislator would dare oppose such regulation for fear of being labeled "uncaring & unsensitive" by an opponent.

How could we dare apply logic when it's so handy to grandstand for new laws using an emotional appeal!?

Please understand, I feel sorrow for the family's loss, but we don't have to rush out with a new law every time a freak accident occurs.

Should we also reduce the highway speed limit to 20mph so nobody is killed?

 

[Rich Smith]

RE: Washington Race School Legislation

John,

A knee-jerk emotional reaction to a 16 year old girl being killed is understandable. But with all due respect to family of the girl, new State legislation to license and oversee Race Driving Schools is rediculous.

If accountability is the issue, we already have civil courts in which to seek a remedy. If increased safety is the issue, a new State agency won't help. Rather, State oversight of a racing school would probably tend to "tone down" the level of instruction and THAT could be dangerous.

Thanks for bringing this idiot bill to our attention.

Rich Smith

 

[Tmachnik]

RE: Washington Race School Legislation

Most of it seems like a bunch of "official state licensing fee" mumbo jumbo, but this statement:

(2) An ambulance, as provided for in RCW 18.73.030, and a certified
paramedic, as provided for in RCW 18.71.200, must be present and onsite at all
times when the school's track is in use.

is the nasty one that could add *significant* cost to any "racing school" operation.

 

[Steven D Perret]

RE: Washington Race School Legislation

I personally do not see that any of the requests in this legislation are unreasonable.
It would be interesting to see what would actually constitute a "Race School". Would the saturday autocross event or an Audi Club track event, which is labeled as a Driving School, fall under these regulations??
I have been involved with several schools of different types.. Some of these were run with all of the items listed in the legislation and others were scary, where cars and people were damaged.
Both of my children will have the experience of racing schools and when they go, I?ll scrutinize the school first.

 

[RichardM]

In reviewing the published information about this case, it appears that the seat broke loose from the car and the window net was not properly secured. Sanctioning organization rules ie. NASA, SCCA, PCA, etc. should help prevent this. Remember all the complaining on this forum about seats recently?
Richard

 

[Bruce]

>In reviewing the published information about this case, it
>appears that the seat broke loose from the car and the
>window net was not properly secured. Sanctioning
>organization rules ie. NASA, SCCA, PCA, etc. should help
>prevent this.

It also serves to shift the blame and produce another defendant with fairly deep pockets. If this bill passes, expect it to change to specify the medical staff required by the sanctioning body, rather than the state-specified one.

On the other hand, the bill also produces the DEFENSE that the facility was licensed, and their safety precautions were, by law, adequate. Somebody didn't think this through. It WILL affect SCCA Regional Road Racing schools - and rally schools - if passed.

Bruce

 

[JohnLane]

Here we have yet another classic example of a bad case of our 'representatives' finding themselves bored, and thus coming down with yet another case of the 'Do SOMETHING Disease.' I would be glad to send off letters leting them know that they need not go here. I fear not the Nannies on the Left looking down their collective noses at me and seeing me as 'Cold and unfeeling' (Horrors!!)........
Anybody know just where to send such letters?
John Lane
Viva Le Pro Le Ralliat

 

[Don Kennedy]

In todays world, I don't think it's so much them being bored as it is, all it takes is one person or small group of people to push their own special interest and get 1 legislator on the bandwagon.

 

[rallymodeller]

It seems to me that America's pastime is actually making someone else responsible for their own mistakes. Witness the number of ambulance chasing lawyers and class-action suits.

I'm not being prejudicial; Canada's pastime is apathy...

Jeremy Oreskovich
[email protected]

**"Will Rally For Food"**

 

[Wink Timber]

My ex-wife gave me a little background on the incident that precipitated the legislation. Her first husband was Jerry Bergman, brother of Ashley's father, and she grew up with the Bergman boys and stays in touch.

Steve Bergman was an oval track racer that started taking his daughter to the races at a very early age. She started racing as soon as she was legally eligible. The accident that took her life left the family devestated.

Nancy (my ex-wife) wrote:
"I knew that her folks were pursuing such things, looking for someone else to blame me thinks. Steve took her racing when she wasn't walking yet, and of course that influence had no bearing in the end event. At any rate, I am still sad for their loss, and hope this route gives them some peace somehow."

TW