The security of all the actors of the Dakar, the spectators and the local people on the side of the roads remains the priority of the organisation. For this goal, we have decided to reinforce the human, technical and logistical means already existent: preventive messages (local radios, RFI…), distribution of information on the race before the passage of the race (cartoons), added to special police forces along the course, speed controls and new technical measures.


Radio messages
As of the beginning of the month of January, Radio France International and the local radios will broadcast messages telling the local population when the rally will cross their paths.
These messages, decided with the local authorities will remind the security measures to be respected when the competitors show up.

Prevention for the population
Four 4x4 vehicles will be using the race and assistance course three days prior to the race to keep the local people well aware of the rally passage. These vehicles and their members will explain the security measures to be respected, especially concerning the children by handing out information and cartoons as well as audio messages with speakerphones.

Marking out the itinerary
On the race and assistance itinerary, the local authorities will use logistical and human measures to reinforce the security on the side of the road on the day the rally comes through.

New Iritrack system
A.S.O. wanted to test out this year the Iritrack system on the Dakar. It‚s a position system via satellite following in real time the positions and the evolution of the competitors and giving a better visibility of the race.
This year, around fifty systems will equip vehicles (cars, bikes and trucks) and will especially concern the leaders.

New Sentinel
Audio and visual system signalling the presence of another competitor in a ray of 200 metres.
Each vehicle taking part in the race, as well as the Tango vehicles (medical and organisation) will be equipped by this system. This will especially help competitors find out if they are being caught by another vehicle. The goal is to reduce any risk of accident while overtaking.
The expenses for this system will be taken care of by the organisation for the bikers.

Distress signals
The distress signal systems are mandatory for all vehicles in the race (cars, bikes and trucks).
Assistance vehicles and press vehicles will have to be equipped with satellite phones and the Iritrack system.

Medical assistance
An added helicopter will be used for medical reasons this year (three compared to last year‚s two) to be able to cover in an even better way the event.
This measure will be reinforced by 10 Tangos (medical vehicles) positioned on the race and assistance course.
On the bivouac, a special hospital will be set up every day.
Forty people will be working for the medical team.
Added to that, local ambulances will be used for the rally on the assistance itineraries in Mauritania and Mali.