9 Response(s)

1. Alice S says : August 3, 2017 I am opposed to making protective vests mandatory for adult competitors. For one thing, I’m not a big fan of the nanny state. Protective vests should be a personal choice for competitors over 18 yr of age, not mandatory. They are also quite expensive, and just add to the cost of an already expensive sport that excludes too many already because of its cost.

2. Theresa La Voie says : August 3, 2017 I am not in favor of changing the vest rule. There has been no justification proffered for forcing all adult competitors to wear protective vests during the marathon. I see no statistics to support such a change. Competitive driving at CDE’s is a costly sport as it is. Protective vests are expensive and should not be demanded unless there is clear evidence warranting such further gear. I have a protective vest and sometimes it actually gets in my way and I don’t feel I have the freedom of mobility I would have otherwise. Someone suggested getting one so I wear it, but not because I believe there is a real need. We want to encourage people to get involved in the sport of driving, and pushing up the cost based on someone’s assumption that vests are a good idea, will only “drive” people away. We are all adults and sign releases and waivers. Other than helmets, let the adult competitors control how they further want to protect themselves. As Alice stated, let’s not turn this sport into a Nanny State.

3. nis75p06 says : August 4, 2017 Strongly oppose this rule change. Back protectors are not available in a full range of sizes to fit all current competitors.

4. Linda Yutzy says : August 4, 2017 I agree that a vest should be at the option of the adult driver and not mandatory. I prefer not to wear a Koozie in hot weather. Far more likely to suffer heat stroke than fall out of carriage!

5. daves says : August 6, 2017 I’ve seen a significant increase in those wearing protective vests over the past few years. Let’s let the participants make their own decision to wear vests or not. Don’t make this mandatory. Hold fast. Don’t follow the leader.

6. Sharon Waite says : August 9, 2017 The back protectors I have seen are (1) expensive, and (2) the SEI approved ones are too long for drivers, and generally too constricting. We are seeing more back protectors in use, particularly above training level, but requiring them would just be another nail in the coffin of unaffordability for those just starting out in the sport. If ADS wants to grow the sport, this is not the way to do it!

7. amyblossom says : August 15, 2017 Protective vests are not available for persons of various sizes. I have yet to find one that fits me, and I am sure others have the same dilemma. Until these are readily available in sizes that fit one and all, I strongly oppose this rule.

8. porterjh says : August 28, 2017 I agree with the rule change. There are sizes and styles of vest available to meet the needs of any competitor. Like helmets protective vest are necessary part of making out sport safe,

9. marc says : August 31, 2017 The CDC discussed protective vests with the insurance company. Their attorney’s responded by telling us to follow what was happening in the sport. We did. Great Britain had required junior drivers to wear them and adults it was optional. They are now required over there, so we are moving in the same direction. At this point, vests are voluntarily worn by a majority of competitors and they are available in custom sizes. You just need to research where to order them. Yes, they aren’t cheap, but your well-being is worth a lot too. Once you buy one, you have it. Unlike a helmet, they can be used almost forever. The goal is safety.

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