| The exact safety precautions for go karting will | | | | more competitive tracks or on tracks that use more |
| depend on the type of kart racing you're doing. A low | | | | powerful karts, there will be more safety guidelines to |
| speed karting track aimed mostly at kids and | | | | pay attention to. Light and flag location is important to |
| recreational karting may require minimal safety gear | | | | know, and you'll need to be familiar with the colors of |
| and few precautions. There's a good chance you'll | | | | the flags and what each of them means. Don't fail to |
| need a helmet, but most go kart tracks provide these. | | | | respond to any signals you're given. |
| Other protective clothing usually isn't required, although | | | | If there's an accident or problem further down the |
| thinner soled shoes are generally preferred to thick | | | | track, you may need to slow or stop. If you break a |
| ones, so you'll have more control over your kart. | | | | rule, have a kart mechanical failure, or have been seen |
| Serious go karting is another realm entirely. This | | | | to be endangering other drivers, you may be asked to |
| competitive sport involves racing at much higher | | | | leave the race. Obeying these signals is extremely |
| speeds than the above types of tracks. Since these | | | | important. |
| karts can go up to sixty miles per hour, and have little | | | | Remember not to drink or otherwise be intoxicated |
| in the way of built in safety devices, it's important to | | | | when you drive a go kart, either. While this might seem |
| wear the right equipment and take some precautions. | | | | like a simple rule, it can be tempting to have a drink or |
| You'll need a helmet that covers your entire head, as | | | | two and then race. After all, it's not a full sized car you'll |
| well as a protective, fire resistant racing suit, gloves, | | | | be driving. The consequences of driving a go kart |
| and the correct shoes. Safety harnesses and | | | | when you've been drinking are just as bad, however. |
| seatbelts are also vital if you're doing this type of go | | | | If you pay a little attention to go kart safety and make |
| kart racing. Some karts come with roll cages to | | | | sure to follow the rules, you'll have a lot of fun. |
| prevent injuries if they tip, but most do not. | | | | However, don't think that just because go karts are |
| Before you race, you'll receive a short lecture on | | | | small, they can't be risky. Accidents in these karts can |
| correct driving for the greatest amount of safety. This | | | | be nasty - avoid them, stay safe, and have a good |
| happens even on low speed tracks. However, on | | | | time! |