The Risks of Dirt Biking
It’s not hard to see why so many people are drawn to dirt biking: it’s an adrenaline-filled way to spend time outdoors. But that same thrill comes with some real risks. Common injuries include broken bones, bruises, scrapes, and even head trauma. According to one study, 47% of all dirt bike riders have been injured at least once in their lifetime due to their hobby. Furthermore, 7% of these injuries were serious enough to require a hospital stay or surgery.
Safety Tips for Dirt Bikers
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of injury while riding your dirt bike. The first step is making sure your bike is in good condition before hitting the trails. Check the brakes and tires for wear and tear; if either of these components are faulty, they could lead to an accident during your ride. Also be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, boots and elbow/knee pads whenever you ride – this will help protect your body from any potential falls or collisions along the way. Finally, never ride alone – having someone with you who can call for help if needed is essential for staying safe in case something goes wrong during your ride.
Dirt Biking Education
Finally, getting educated about proper safety techniques is critical if you want to keep yourself out of harm’s way while riding your dirt bike. It’s important that you learn how to properly handle your bike in various terrains and situations so that you don’t put yourself at risk when out on the trails. Taking a dirt biking class or reading up on safety tips online can be great ways to get started learning more about how to safely enjoy this extreme sport without putting yourself in danger.
Read More: Is Dirt Bike Riding Dangerous?
Dirt Bike Racing vs Casual Riding
The biggest difference between dirt bike racing and casual riding is that racing requires technical knowledge and skills. When racing, riders must know how to handle specific terrain and adjust their technique accordingly. Racers also need to know how to maintain their bikes in order to keep them running smoothly during competition.
In contrast, casual riders don’t necessarily need to have the same level of technical knowledge or skill as racers do. Casual riders can still enjoy the thrill of the ride without having to worry about maintaining their bikes or mastering certain techniques necessary for competing in races. This makes it more accessible for people who just want to get out and enjoy some fresh air while exploring trails on their bikes.
Safety Gear
It’s also important to note that safety gear is essential when participating in either type of dirt biking. No matter what type of rider you are, it’s important to wear protective gear such as a helmet, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, boots, chest protection, etc., in order to stay safe during your ride. Additionally, if you plan on racing competitively then there are other safety measures such as neck braces that must be adhered to in order for racers to compete safely on the track.
Statistics on Dangers of Dirt Bikes
The Number Of Injuries Is Increasing
According to a study in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, the number of injuries due to dirt bike accidents has increased over the past decade. This could be due to an increase in popularity as more people are taking up dirt biking as a hobby or sport. Additionally, there may be more dirt bikes on the road, which increases the risk of an accident occurring.
Injury Severity Can Be High
Unfortunately, when accidents do occur, they can often be severe. According to a study published in Injury Prevention, approximately 40% of dirt bike-related injuries result in moderate or severe trauma. This includes things like fractures and head injuries, which can have long-term implications for riders if not treated properly. It’s important for bikers to wear proper safety gear and follow all safety protocols in order to reduce their risk of injury should an accident occur.
Fatalities Are On The Rise
The number of fatalities related to dirt biking is also on the rise according to research from Injury Prevention. From 2003-2008 there was a 33% increase in fatalities due to dirt bike crashes and this trend appears to be continuing into 2020. While this could be due to a variety of factors such as increased speed limits or rider inexperience, it is clear that riders need to take extra precautions when out on their bikes in order to stay safe and avoid becoming part of these unfortunate statistics.
Most Frequent Dirt Bike Injuries
Broken Wrist
A broken wrist is one of the most common dirt bike injuries, especially for beginners. It happens when riders don’t properly lean into turns or land jumps incorrectly. To prevent broken wrists, make sure you practice proper form on every ride and take time to warm up before every session. Wearing protective gear such as wrist guards can also help reduce your risk of injury.
Broken Collarbone
Falling off your bike often leads to broken collarbones, which can be incredibly painful and difficult to heal from. To avoid this type of injury, make sure you wear body armor and take extra care when landing jumps or navigating technical terrain. Also, try not to exceed your limits; pushing yourself too hard increases your chances of getting injured.
Broken Ribs
Broken ribs are another common dirt bike injury that often occurs when riders crash at high speeds or land jumps incorrectly. To reduce your risk of broken ribs, always wear protective gear such as chest protectors and back protectors when riding. Also, practice good form and technique on every ride so that you can stay in control even at higher speeds or on more technical trails.
Dislocated Shoulders
One of the most common dirt bike injuries is a dislocated shoulder. This type of injury occurs when your upper arm bone pops out of its socket, which can be a very painful experience. To prevent this type of injury, make sure that you wear a good fitting chest protector when riding. Chest protectors provide extra padding that helps keep your arms in place and reduce the chance of shoulder dislocation. Also, it’s important to maintain proper form while riding to help avoid shoulder injuries. Keep your arms straight, elbows slightly bent, hands near the handlebars and feet firmly planted on the pegs at all times.
Rolled Ankles
Rolled ankles are another common dirt bike injury that can occur if you don’t have good balance or fail to wear proper protective gear. To reduce your risk of rolled ankles, make sure you always wear appropriate footwear with ankle support such as motocross boots or hiking boots with high ankle support. Also, practice proper technique by keeping your feet firmly planted on the pegs throughout turns and jumps for added balance and stability.
Broken Neck and Back
Broken necks and backs are among the most serious dirt bike injuries that can occur if riders don’t take appropriate safety precautions while riding their bikes. It is important to always wear a helmet whenever you are out riding in order to protect your head in case of an accident or fall off the bike. Additionally, it is also advised that riders wear neck braces while riding in order to help reduce the severity of possible neck or back injuries should an accident occur. It is also important that riders understand their limitations so they don’t push themselves too hard on their dirt bikes beyond what they can safely handle without risking serious injury or worse!
How to Keep Dirt Bike Riding Safer
Choose the Right Gear
It’s essential that you wear all of the appropriate gear when you ride. This includes gloves, boots, a helmet, and protective clothing such as body armor or a chest protector. Make sure all of your gear is snug and fits correctly so that it doesn’t interfere with your riding performance or hinder your ability to move freely while on the trail. It’s also important to note that different types of dirt bike riding require different types of protective gear; for example, if you’re into motocross racing, it’s generally recommended that you invest in a full-face helmet instead of just wearing goggles and an open face helmet.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
When riding off-road, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to where other riders are at all times, as well as any obstacles or terrain changes in your path. If there are any turns coming up, make sure you slow down before turning so that you don’t lose control and fly off your bike! Also look out for any low hanging branches or any other objects that could pose a risk while riding.
Know Your Limits
No matter how experienced you are on a dirt bike, it’s always important to know your limits and never push yourself too far beyond them. If something feels wrong or dangerous, trust your gut and take a break from the trail until you feel comfortable continuing again. Additionally, try not to ride alone if possible so that someone is available if an emergency arises while out on the trails.
Teengers are highly susceptible to Dirt Bike Dangers
Wear Protective Gear
One of the most important safety tips for teenagers is to wear appropriate protective gear when riding a dirt bike. This includes a helmet, goggles or face shield, gloves, boots, and adequate clothing that covers all exposed skin. Additionally, it is important to make sure that all of this gear fits properly and is in good condition before you hit the trails. It won’t do any good if it doesn’t fit correctly!
Know Your Bike
Another key element of being safe on a dirt bike is knowing your machine inside and out. That means understanding how it works, what its limitations are, and how to spot potential problems before they become major issues. This will help you avoid situations where you could get into trouble or injure yourself due to lack of knowledge about your own bike. Make sure you read your owner’s manual thoroughly so that you know exactly how your machine operates under different conditions.
Ride Within Your Ability Level
Finally, it is important for teenagers to remember not to push themselves beyond their ability level when riding their dirt bikes. It can be tempting to try new tricks or go faster than usual but this can lead to dangerous situations if not done properly or within one’s skill level. Take things slowly at first until you feel more comfortable on the bike and then gradually increase speed or difficulty as needed. This will ensure that you stay safe while still having fun on your ride!
