Good suggestions! I'll add a few...
#9, When you get to your worker station, be sure to map out where the
course goes, and where the cars will be running. This is especially
important if the course isn't lined, or if it's a gated course, or if
you're working a place where you can't line the course, like a slalom.
#10, Spot the places where you can safely stand - these aren't just
anywhere outside the chalk lines! Think to yourself, "If I were a car out
of control, where would I go spinning off to?" Also, map out your escape
routes, so if a car comes spinning towards you, you know where to
go. Discuss these with your coworkers, so if you have to run, you don't
end up doing a Keystone Kops routine and run into each other.
#11, When you get to your worker station, check to make sure that all the
cones are in their boxes, and you know where the cones are supposed to
go. Saves some time resetting cones if you don't have to spend a long time
trying to find the box.
#12, Be aware of what's happening at the next worker station or two
downstream - if they run into difficulties (like a car spins in their area,
or they have workers running all over the course resetting cones), you're
the one who is in
the best position to red flag the oncoming car.
#13, The numbered worker station signs are meant to show what areas need to
be covered, and the areas of responsibility. If there are cones in that
area that are constantly hit, and it's safe to do so, move closer to those
cones instead of gathering around the sign. If the course runs on both
sides of the station and you have enough workers, split into multiple
groups so you can cover each side of the course.
#14, If you need to use the red flag, USE it. Don't just daintily flick it
at the car going by - wave it like a FREAK! Like you're trying to signal
aliens; like you're in the middle of a bunch of pissed-off bees. There
should be no doubt in anyone's mind that you red-flagged someone.
#15, Talk to the people assigned to your station. If you're working with
someone you don't know, chat with them to get a feel for how much
experience they have working the course. If you see them doing something
that you aren't comfortable with, like getting distracted, or not holding
the red flag, talk to them about it. Or, switch jobs with them.
That's all I can think of for now - anyone else?
Jim
At 01:04 PM 10/24/2001 -0400, Mark J. Andy wrote:
>Howdy,
>
>On Wed, 24 Oct 2001, Dennis Hale wrote:
> > The details are less important than the lessons.
>
>I think that's totally valid.
>
>In fact, I'll offer up a few things I think can help to keep you safe when
>working the course. These things apply all the time and are unreleated to
>anything I know about this past weekend at GGF. And, since I keep
>forgetting to say this, its all IMO.
>
>#1, never ever turn your back to a moving car in your area. Remember
>you're there to _work the course_, not to pay attention to a friend or try
>to figure out how to drive the course.
>
>#2, try and always be with another worker wherever you're standing. Two
>sets of eyes are better than one. When I used to work corners on a road
>race circuit, the flagger always had someone to watch upstream who's main
>job was to pull the flagger down if all hell broke loose (the flagger
>watches downstream for incidents in the corner). On an autox course the
>cars are coming slow enough that you can usually follow the car through
>your area before another car comes along, but the principle still applies.
>
>#3, leave the red flag with the person with the radio. If someone calls
>for a red flag over the radio, the radio person will be the best able to
>respond quickly. That person also shouldn't be running for cones if you
>can help it, so they can concentrate on their job (and so control won't
>get broken-up radio reports).
>
>#4, and this should be obvious, all distracting things get left in the
>pits. cell phones, pagers, etc.
>
>#5, while I believe that on an autox course there's almost never a reason
>to not have enough time to get a cone back in place if you're paying
>attention, DON'T PUSH IT! That cone being outta place is not the end of
>the world. You getting hit _is_. We've all had folks that came through
>and destroyed half the course. Do what you can, then get the heck outta
>the way.
>
>#6, RUN to put the cone(s) back. If you can't run, ask for another work
>assignment, work the radio/flag, etc.
>
>#7, after you put the cone back, DON'T turn your back to the approaching
>car. Look over your shoulder for cars coming before you grab for the
>cone, again before you put it back in the box, again after its in the box,
>and again on your way back to home. DO NOT depend on your ears. If, as
>normally happens, a car comes before you can get back home, turn around
>and jog backwards ready to take evasive action.
>
>#8, assume that the drivers can't see you. In many cases its 100% true.
>Their attention is focused on what they're planning on doing. Unless
>you're in their sight path (and you've got no idea what that sight path
>is), you're invisible. In fact, if you _are_ in their sight path, chances
>are you should move so that they can see the course :-)
>
>That's all I can think of right now. Anyone else?
>
>We used to have a "corner workers handbook" back when I did the roadrace
>stuff. Maybe something similar for autox course working would be a good
>idea?
>
>Mark
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