When you're out riding you are, for the most part, the determining factor in your own safety. That's not always the case, but it's a good rule of thumb. You shouldn't look at being a spectator as being that much different.
Safe Distance
© Matt Finley, Licensed to About.com
Everything else being equal, the safest thing you can do as a spectator to ensure your safety from hurtling cars, bikes, quads, debris, tires, dirt/rocks is simply to be far enough away from it so you don't get hit.
Location, Location, Location!
© Matt Finley, Licensed to About.com
Most events have some sort of logical progression along a known course. Often times there are turns, jumps and other things that force drivers to change course. These are the times when a driver is most likely to lose control.
Where you are situated is key to lowering the likelihood of you being hit in a crash or by flying debris.
