Sumo wrestlers are prohibited from driving vehicles primarily because of a past incident in which a wrestler was injured in a car accident. This ban is a long-standing rule within the strict discipline of the sumo world.
The prohibition on driving stems from a historical event years ago where a sumo wrestler was involved in a car accident and sustained injuries. To safeguard the physical well-being of these athletes, whose bodies are essential to their profession, and to maintain the rigorous discipline expected within the sumo community, a regulation was put in place forbidding them from operating a car.
This rule emphasizes the protective measures and strict code of conduct that govern the lives of professional sumo wrestlers. Their daily lives are highly structured, often involving dedicated training, specific dietary regimens, and communal living within their stables (heya), all under the watchful eye of their stablemaster. The driving ban fits into this overarching framework of control and protection designed to ensure their peak condition and focus on the sport.
