Safety in rallying

The Review Group was established in response to the tragic deaths of 3 people and injuries to others at the Jim Clark rally this year. A tragic accident had also taken place at the Highland Snowman rally in 2013 where a spectator was killed and a child injured. The safety of everyone at future rallies in Scotland has therefore to be an immediate priority for everyone connected with the sport. The Group did not consider the particular circumstances of the recent accidents, given that an investigation is still under way into those accidents.

Our role was to review safety at multi-venue stage rallies in Scotland and we set out to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken in the future that can be expected to minimise the risk to spectators. However, motor racing is inherently dangerous and rallies can never be completely safe for participants or spectators.

Spectators themselves will also therefore continue to have a responsibility to behave in a responsible manner and to comply with the directions of rally marshals, police and other authorities. This report recommends improved communication with spectators to ensure that the risks are clear and indicates that, if necessary, more robust steps may have to be taken to ensure that spectators comply with sensible safety advice.

The work of the Group has covered key aspects of the sport in relation to spectator safety and has considered international and national governance and regulations, guidance and good practice.