Safety: the number one priority

In Argentina like in Chile and soon in Bolivia, the Dakar meets with resounding popular success (with 4.6 million spectators counted on the route on 2013). This is why safety is still the number one priority for the organisers and host countries.

The safety measures in figures:

- 60 secure “spectator zones” are set up during the rally’s 13 stages in order to allow people to watch the Dakar’s competitors pass by in the best conditions. The public is informed three days before by the media of where these zones are located.

Scrutineering preparations

Photo by: A.S.O.

- 7 helicopters take part in the safety measures and monitor the route ahead of the race to inform the authorities and organisers of any possible hazards.

- 19 vehicles and 40 people from the Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial safety agency in Argentina will be supervising the movement of the crowds who come to the “spectator zones”.

- 30 organisation vehicles take part every day in making the route and the “public areas” safe.

- Speeds on link stages must not exceed the legal limits and any excesses are severely punished.

Prevention:

- 2,300 safety messages are broadcast by 40 radio stations in all of the countries through which the rally travels.

- A massive press campaign insisting on the safety instructions is conducted in collaboration with all the major newspapers and magazines in the countries through which the rally passes.

- A prevention video has been produced and will be broadcast by the TV channels and web sites of the leading media organisations, including Fox Sport.

- 400,000 flyers will be distributed by the Agencia Nacional de Seguridad Vial in Argentina.

A.S.O. / DAKAR