By Cody Barnes
Safety is No. 1
I mentioned in my earlier post that “derbying” as a whole, is extremely safe. But the only reason this sport continues is because it has a very strict set of rules that protect spectators as well as the drivers. One thing to keep in mind, I am posting based on Wisconsin/Iowa derby rules and every promoter is different.
Top 5 safety rules that every driver should observe (regardless of promoter)
Number 1: Always Always ALWAYS avoid the driver’s door, if possible.
When driving in a derby, you can hit about 85% of the other driver’s vehicle without consequence. But that 15% rests at the driver’s door. The most extreme injuries occur with driver’s door hits. Drivers are required to add extra reinforcement to their driver’s door for protection, but that is only in cases of accidental hits. Hitting a driver’s door will happen, its slippery in the mud and tunnel vision can cause you to not see someone pulling in front of you. If you are on a path to running into another driver, lock up your breaks and try to turn away, the officials will note your effort to avoid the door. On the other hand, if you are ramming around and freely and blindly smash into other driver’s doors, you will be out of the derby before you can ask for a refund.
Number 2: Keep an eye on the officials whenever you can
It’s stressful looking for your next target, watching out for other drivers, and keeping an eye on the officials, but it is absolutely needed as one missed red flag could lead to an official on the track getting hit. Always be looking for that red flag, or flashing light, or listen for that bell ringing to signal the stop of a derby. If you keep going during a red flag, you will beat the traffic out of the event without a refund.
Number 3: Almost every promoter requires helmets so have a good one and wear it!
Helmets are probably one of the main reasons we can do this sport safely. When you get hit hard, you’re going to be launched every which way and that seatbelt may not completely lock you in. A typical motocross or motorcycle helmet does the trick. But be wary about buying used. If the helmet was in the smallest crash, it cannot be used safely anymore because the integrity of the helmet has been compromised. Spend a little more on your helmet than anything else because in the end it will save your life.
Number 4: If you see a car raised over the blocks like in the picture above AVOID IT
I know the temptation is huge to launch this immobile car off the blocks but that’s a surefire way of getting someone killed. As you can see, an official is standing very close and could be crushed by a moved block. I was at a derby a few years ago where the promoter was standing by a block that chipped off and shattered his knee. The other result could be that this car is sent into the crowd, when this happens you won’t have to worry about getting your car home, but you will be worrying about the tightness of your handcuffs. In other words, avoid these hits like the plague.
Number 5: HAVE FUN!
I know a lot of what I have said in these blogs have been blood and grit, but that is the reality of this sport and every step we take to ensure everyone’s’ safety is well worth it. But with all that out of the way, there is no experience on earth like derby. You build a family among your fellow drivers that would give you the shirt of their backs to help you. The stereotypical derby driver may look like a scary person, but I assure you, they are the kindest most generous people you will meet.
That’s all for this one, keep an eye out for the next blog where we talk about promoter red flags and when a derby can go wrong. I promise there will be more sunshine and rainbows after that, but we have to cover all the gritty parts to appreciate the power we have in the ring and how it can turn in an instant.
Until then, Derby on!!
If you would like to hear a real driver talk about what it’s like to be around derby every day, listen here! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/derby-chat-2021-unified-points-series-official-results/id1566257023?i=1000546109528
