A GO-KART ACCIDENT IN INDIANA
By Kogan
While driving at Whiteland Raceway Park on July 8, 2012 19-year-old Shelbi Crouch’s hair got caught in the axle of a go-kart. As a result of this horrific accident, a portion of her scalp was torn away and she suffered multiple skull fractures.
The young woman was airlifted after the go-kart accident and taken to University of Indiana Methodist Hospital for treatment.
Greg Wright, owner of Rapid Racing in Indianapolis, pointed out that no state agency oversees go-karting, though the World Karting Association has specific rules in place to prevent such accidents.
Rear rotating axles have been known for years to create hazardous conditions for people with long hair or loose clothing. In 1996, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a national recall advising all go-kart manufacturers and amusement park owners to place a protective guard over the rear axle to prevent scalping injuries and wrongful death. This go-kart accident is a prime example of the hazards associated with the go-kart’s rear rotating axle.