Scotland completes safety review after 2014 Jim Clark Rally deaths
Sir Jackie Stewart has praised the work of the Scottish Government in a review of event safety, following the 2014 Jim Clark Rally accident in which three people were killed
The triple Formula 1 world champion joined 2001 World Rally champion co-driver Robert Reid and high-ranking members of Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive in setting up the Review Group on Motor Sport Event Safety.
The Group's recommendations, which also considered the circumstances surrounding the death of a spectator on the Snowman Rally close to Inverness two years ago, were revealed on Tuesday.
Stewart said: "I am very proud to have been part of an excellent process that was driven by the Scottish Government.
"I believe that what has been achieved in Scotland will be an example that will be taken up on a global basis by the sport of rallying, including the world governing body the FIA and UK governing body, the MSA. I believe it is a great step forward in making the sport safer than ever."
Among the main recommendations are a desire to see tighter controls over volunteer marshals, including the introduction of a mandatory marshal licensing scheme, requiring marshals to obtain a licence following mandatory training and experience.
Increased police involvement in the planning and running of events, with a liaison officer attending rallies and supporting the implementation of the event's safety plan, while also giving training support at national level, is also suggested.
The group was also concerned with communication with spectators on the stages and the establishment of ground rules regarding fans, marshals and competitors helping to get cars that have gone off the road back on the course.
One of the three people killed on the Scottish Borders-based Jim Clark Rally was a member of the media, so the group has focused more attention on the accreditation process and the potential movement of press on events.
Stewart added: "In the history of motorsport for many years, safety was seldom on the agenda internationally. However, more recently motorsport has been an excellent example of effective risk management, with the sport safer than ever."
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