The Paris Dakar is one of the most challenging and danger filled races on the planet and unfortunately every year people get lost or killed during it. A total of 45 deaths among competitors have been recorded since the rally began. In Morocco, Africa however this race is one of the year's highlights.

Some major events that have happened in recent years include; Mark Thatcher (English Prime Minister's son) getting lost in the desert for six days (1982); the leading truck crashing a killing a driver (1988); and in 2005 two of the top motorcyclists died within just two days of each other.

There have also been a number of accidents and deaths amongst local people who get run over by service vehicles.