Go-Karting can be an appealing choice for a family day out, but how dangerous are Go-Karts?
The short answer: Not very.
The longer answer: It really depends on what kind of Go-Karting you are talking about and what kind of event you are participating in.
Kiddie-Tracks
Generally at tracks that we would call Kiddie-tracks, tracks aimed at 4-12 year olds, there is not much risk. The low power of the Go-Karts and the barriers around the track will generally ensure that the children are safe as they go kart racing. The Go Karts themselves will also likely be more akin to bumper cars to ensure that even the most ‘aggressive’ of junior drivers will not be able to do much damage to those around them.
Standard Tracks
Your more standard tracks, as in, those aimed at teenagers and adults have a slightly greater risk to them. Indoor tracks will often employ tyre barriers to soften any collision around the track and again depending on the type of go-kart employed, they may have chassis which are designed to not allow any go-karts to mount any other competitors.
However, if the tracks are employing more powerful, or more competition orientated go-karts, particularly those with ‘4-stroke’ engines. Then there is a greater risk to drivers. Often before racing on these tracks, drivers will have to attend a briefing which will detail behaviour that is acceptable on track. Part of this will include what you should wear go-karting, and how to handle the go-kart if required.
The most likely injuries to occur will likely be to the arms or head in the case of a kart flipping or being mounted by another kart. However most tracks will have safety equipment available if there is a risk to the head.
Concussions are an almost unheard of injury suffered in Go-Karting.
Competition Tracks
Competition tracks, or full track, will often only be available for competitive events. These events will often come with the greatest risk to the driver’s safety due to the sheer speed and expected close racing that will happen during these competition.
Due to this, competitive events may well have an ambulance on standby, and drivers may wear more robust safety equipment. Again, this is dependent on the specific karts being used.
Broken bones are a possibility in the worst of case, though fatalities during Go-karting events are not something that has been reported.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Go-karting is a relatively safe sport. But it does require that those taking part drive to reasonable standards and keep their aggression in check. As a high-speed sport there is a built-in level of risk. But this can be mitigated with appropriate safety provisions.