Rally fans have come to accept that some unwise fan is going to get himself hurt on the rally despite all the warnings. Volkswagen South Africa, its partner BP South Africa, championship sponsor Sasol and the SA Rally Commission are once again appealing to fans to make rallying the safest code of Motorsport, particularly at the Volkswagen Rally. Here are a few tips to ensure that you, your friends and family stay safe at all times.

• Obey ALL traffic rules at ALL times.
• Never disregard instruction from rally safety officials, they know what they are doing.
• Please don’t rush to try and see each stage, you will never manage. Rather skip a stage for the rest of the rally. Alternatively you can select stages BEFORE the rally starts and hone in on them. 4 stages per day are sufficient. This will give you enough time to find parking, go to service park and talk to the drivers and teams, have a picnic with your friends etc. Rallying is supposed to be about family fun and enjoyment, not rushing around.
• Don’t watch on the outside of corners. The inside is always best unless you don’t mind the cars accidentally running you over.
• Standing next to a tree is ideal as you can hide behind it if a driver has what is known as a ‘moment’.
• Please don’t throw cigarette butts into the vegetation. If there is a fire, the forestry officials will NEVER allow the rally to take place again.
• Do not park other drivers in at the stages. Not only does it inconvenience others, it has led to a few fights having to be broken by rally officials before. It is not in the spirit of our sport.

Finally and most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN AND PETS unattended at any time during the rally. Let us all cooperate and have a successful and safe Volkswagen Rally.