Penniless...
Your last line gets into the area that can cause problems. You have to ask yourself WHY no one seems to want to do this testing, or wants to PUBLISH the results they may have found.
One, charitable, interpretation would be that the costs would be ENORMOUS to test this properly.
The next question is: 'what happens if the tester finds the results equivocal'.... Think of the size of THAT can of worms!
I think the MSA are honourable people. If they feel that the benefits of neck braces are not that clear, then this 'not recommended, not banned' is about the best they could manage without stepping into a minefield!
For me, the MSA's 'position' speaks volumes! They have no 'axe to grind' and they have never FAILED to recommend a susbatntial piece of equipment that is un-equivocably a 'safety benefit', no matter HOW much it raises the cost to karters (good! That's what we WANT!).
My interpretation (and it is ONLY an 'opinion' not backed up by ANY proof or insider knowledge) is that the benefits of the neck braces tested so far by the MSA have not been sufficient for them to feel they CAN make them compulsory. Think what would happen if they made them compulsory and someone was injured BY using one!
Think what would happen if they merely 'recommened' their use in the above situation, too!
However, if they BANNED them, and some was injured who MIGHT have been saved by USING one..... think about the MSA's position, then!
Once again, I stress I have NO INSIDER knowledge about their safety/risks. I am just extrapolating from the MSA's reactions.... and adding that to my knowledge of an increasingly litigious society!
Ian
|
|