Even though dirt biking has gained tremendous popularity in the past few years, it still possesses a lot of threats. Hence, many individuals question about their safety.
Another reason for this concern is that this sport has been popular among the kids as well. As a result, parents are wondering if this sport is even worth it?
This brings us to the original concern- are dirt bikes dangerous?
Yes, dirt bikes are dangerous, to begin with. Here, they go fast in uneven rougher terrains. Plus, these bikes don’t even provide safety for the riders. Hence, minor impacts can cause major injuries to them.
But, we’re not done here and there’s more. So, let’s just dive in head straight-
Why Are Dirt Bikes So Dangerous?
Dirt bikes are dangerous because they don’t provide the riders with enough safety features in them. Most riders aren’t wearing chest guards when they’re riding dirt bikes. As a result, they end up with broken ribs which can prove fatal at the time of accidents.
Even if safety features are ensured by the riders, dirt bikes still possesses a lot of threats and dangers, And, why is that? Well, the bikes move fast across rougher terrains. Hence, major accidents can take place anytime.
Well, to be frank, risk is imminent. And, it’s everywhere. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to stop pursuing this sport. That said, the risk in dirt biking is more when compared to casual riding.
In the end, dirt biking is dangerous as the riders have to go fast on rougher terrains. And, they don’t even carry safety gears with them. Many times, the gears that they carry aren’t even enough to protect them on these terrains.
Is Dirt Bikes Safer Than Motorcycles?
No, dirt bikes aren’t safer than motorcycles. This is because you’ll have better control over the motorcycles. Plus, motorbikes have easier maneuvering on them. But, you won’t have the same level of control over the bikes.
That said, the injuries that occur due to dirt bikes can be treated faster than motorbike injuries. And, how is that a fact? Well, dirt biking sports have medical support teams roaming around them all the time.
Whereas, the same can’t be said in case of motorbikes. Plus, motorbike accidents can happen at any time and you won’t always have a medical team around you.
In that case, dirt biking can be less dangerous than motorbiking.
How Dangerous is Dirt Bike Riding? 5 Most Common Injuries & How to Prevent Them
Dirt biking is really dangerous if you’re not prepared with the safety gear or proper knowledge. However, you’ll be able to withstand injuries by taking some safety precautions. Other than that, dirt biking possesses a lot of threats.
Amongst the common threats, dirt biking causes a lot of injuries to the riders. And, what are those? Well, there are a few. Hence, we’ve compiled them all for you in this section. That said, let’s take a look at them-
1. Collarbone Breakage
Collarbone breakage is one of the most common injuries in dirt biking. Here, the main reason for collarbone breakage is sudden pressure applied to the chest area.
Almost all the time, the riders try to protect themselves from sudden falls by pushing their hands in front of them. Well, we don’t blame them actually as it’s a part of their natural reaction.
However, the problem of doing this is that the chest area gets immense pressure on them due to point of impact. As a result, the collar bone gets broken easily.
Prevention
The easiest prevention for collarbone injuries is that just don’t fall from the bike. Sounds easy and simple, right? Well, even if you fall off, ensure that you’re wearing chest guards and neck braces.
These safety gears will ensure that your collarbone is protected at all times.
2. Dislocated Shoulder
Shoulder dislocation occurs almost at the similar manner as collarbone breakage. The hands extended in front can cause the impact to be felt directly at the shoulders.
Hence, the ligament in the shoulders tear up and dislocation happens. It’s to be noted that the ligament present in the shoulders isn’t too strong. So, a minor impact can cause it to tear up easily.
As a result, you’ll end up with a dislocated shoulder that is extremely painful and will take months to heal.
Prevention
The best way to prevent shoulder injuries is to wear shoulder support and gears. Moreover, keep track of the riders ahead of you. Hence, you’ll be able to stop immediately when you’ll face obstacles in front.
3. Broken Wrist
Falling off dirt bikes can cause wrist breakage quite easily. In fact, many don’t even pay attention to how the wrist breaks. Even though wrist breakage occurs in a single break on the wrists, multiple breaks can happen anytime.
Besides, broken wrists are extremely painful. And, that isn’t even the worst part. You’ll take months for the healing process. The bone’s realignment may even require a small surgery.
So, broken wrists are no fun and you’ll need to prevent it in any way possible.
Prevention
Well, wrist protection will decrease the impact when you’re falling off but it still won’t be enough. This is why you’ll need to be extra careful about not falling down from your bike.
However, dirt biking will cause falls. So, wearing a wrist guard has to be your closest friend at this time.
4. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Anterior Cruciate Ligament connects from the thigh towards the shinbone. Having ruptures in this area may take even a whole year to recover completely.
And, the injuries can cause you to not be able to jump anymore.
Prevention
Knee braces should be enough to provide minimal protection for you. Hence, wear this safety gear and keep a track of the riders in front.
5. Broken Ankle
Similar to shoulder and wrists, ankle injuries occur due to the impact from different angles. And, injuries here may take almost 3-4months to heal.
Prevention
Safety gears will save you from the impact in the ankles. So, wearing them will have sure benefits.
Is Dirt Bike Riding Dangerous For Kids?
Yes, dirt bikes are dangerous for the kids. Considered as an extreme sport, dirt biking has caused a lot of injuries to the children. Hence, it’s better you keep children away from this sport as far as possible.
Dirt bikes go fast at rougher terrains. So, kids won’t be able to control and maneuver them easily. Moreover, the safety gears for kids won’t be able to protect them completely.
Lastly, the kids won’t even have the chance of saving themselves from the fall. So, it’s better if they’re away from this sport.
Are Dirt Bikes Safer Than ATVs?
Yes, dirt bikes are way safer than ATVs. If you look at the head-head comparison, you’ll notice that 55% injuries in ATVs go to ICU directly. Whereas, injuries in dirt bikes don’t result in ICU visits much often.
Dirt bike crashes don’t possess life threats much often. Here, they’ll cause injuries and broken bones. However, ATVs cause life threatening injuries and can have severe consequences.
This is mainly because of the structure of ATVs. Even though they look stable, they’ll roll upside down completely when they fall. Hence, you won’t have the chance to protect yourself in any means.
How We Stay Safe Riding Dirt Bikes?
By now, you’ll know that dirt biking is a dangerous sport. But, that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to take part in it. Plus, taking safety precautions does minimize the probability of having accidents soon.
So, it’s better we know the precautionary steps to save ourselves. And, we’ve made it easier for you and included them below-
- Wearing knee braces.
- Wearing shoulder support.
- Wearing boots and gloves.
- Having long sleeves in shirts.
- Wearing a helmet and goggles.
- Concentrating on the ride.
- Avoiding coming too close with the riders in front.
- Wearing wrist support.
End Note
Well, that’s all we have from our end. Hopefully, the information shared in this article has been useful for you. Now, if someone asks you are dirt bikes dangerous or not then you’ll know what to say.
That said you can let us know in the section below if you have any follow-up questions. We’ll be happy to get back to you. Good Luck on your journey!
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