shafeeq wrote:
Is the SN driver's head injuries something peculiar to that buggy, or is it something that could happen in any buggy that crashes the same way? If so, are people comfortable with that?
As far as I know, there were no significant injuries to report. Driver shaken up pretty good, a scratch or 2 and a precautionary trip to the ER to be sure there was nothing worse. As far as buggy injuries go, there have been far worse.
The crash was frightening as the buggy essentially rammed the inner bales (which had the consistency of concrete) at almost full raceday speed (less what was lost in skidding due to the uber-tight turn). The crash protection worked well considering the energy transfer involved. A shattered helmet and a trashed harness each did their job in absorbing energy. The 'protective cage' was exactly that and did its job. A stronger harness might have helped but that is picking nits at this point.
So, would other buggies fair as well in protecting the driver? Difficult to assess. I will note that with this buggy, the driver's head is behind the rigid shell of the buggy and there is nothing on front of her (no fork or wheel) to hit her head upon in the event she slides forward. I suspect these design elements and the helmet helped to prevent a much worse result.
I tip my hat to the alumni (Tom W, Lou C, and Bill G) and cmu staff (Ann W) who drove the rules change back in the late 80s. A pre-rules change buggy with helmet-less driver would not have faired nearly as well.
