Dirt Bike Safety

Dirt bikes are meant to test the limits and up the adrenaline. While they are definitely meant for fun and speed, safety should never be overlooked. In fact, dirt bikes are notorious for accidents thanks to careless drivers ignoring safety suggestions. Here are a few tips on dirt bike safety to help you make the most of every ride.

1. Take a riding course: One of the best starting points for dirt bike safety is to take a riding course. This course will serve several important purposes. For starters, it will teach you the proper way to position your body, how to ride, and safety elements you need to know. It will also give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the bike in a safe environment. As an added bonus, taking a riding course lets you meet other riders in your area so you can find more riding buddies.

2. Always wear a helmet: If there is only one piece of dirt bike safety you truly take to heart, let it be the helmet rule. Head and spinal injuries are the leading cause of death in dirt bike riding accidents so this rule cannot be stressed enough. You should wear a helmet whenever you are on the bike, even if you are only riding a short distance or don’t intend to go all that fast. A helmet could save your life in the event of an accident so it isn’t something to skip. You should also make sure you wear a DOT approved helmet or at the very least a SNELL to ensure proper safety. Make sure the helmet has a tight fit to offer the best safety. You also want to make sure you don’t buy a used helmet or wear a helmet beyond one impact. A helmet is designed to protect against one impact and beyond that, the integrity is compromised so make sure you buy a new helmet after any considerable impacts.

3. Wear the right apparel: When it comes to riding dirt bikes, there are a few apparel items you definitely need to stay safe. For starters, you need a great pair of riding gloves to help with gripping the handlebars and maintaining control. You also need the right footwear. You should never ride a dirt bike with any footwear that is flimsy or open such as flip flops or tennis shoes. The better bet is to opt for a sturdy pair of riding boots to give you more protection and control. You should also stay away from pants or sleeves that hang down or could become a hazard. It is best to wear apparel that is made specifically for the unique needs of riding. Another great element of apparel worth considering is a riding jacket since it will help protect you from scrapes if you are thrown from the dirt bike.

4. Never ride with more passengers than permitted: Another important tip in dirt bike safety is to never ride with more passengers than the model permits. For instance, if you have the type of dirt bike that allows for a driver and a passenger, you should never try to squeeze a third person on the bike. In addition, if your bike is meant to be single rider, never take on a passenger. When you overload the bike, you put everyone involved at a greater risk for accidents and injuries.

5. Always use the buddy system: You should never ride your dirt bike alone. The buddy system is a great way to explore trails on your bike without compromising your safety. If you have a buddy with you, you both have someone to look out for you. This is useful in case of an accident, getting lost, or mechanical issues that could leave you stranded and all alone.

6. Know your bike: It is important to familiarize yourself with all aspects of your bike before you go out for challenging rides. You should take some time to study your owner’s manual to get to know the basics, as well as run a lot of practice rides at slow speeds to get used to the way the bike handles. The bottom line is that the more you know about the bike, the better prepared you will be to handle it in even the most challenging riding terrains.

7. Watch your speed: It can be tempting to crank up the speed on a dirt bike as soon as you get out there for a ride, but you should take your time in terms of speed. It is safer to start at a slower speed while familiarizing yourself with the bike or a new trail than to come out of the gate raring to go at top speeds. Even if you are an experienced rider, you should still watch your speed as a safety measure since the impact will always be greater when traveling at a greater speed.

8. Avoid riding at night: There are lots of reasons not to ride at night. The main reason to only ride in daytime is because of the loss of visibility riders experience in the dark. This lack of visibility leads to accidents and serious injuries. It is also easy to become disoriented and lost at night. Even if you think you know the trail like the back of your hand, animals are more active at night and that should be a concern for any trail rider. It is best to stick with riding during daylight hours to avoid any safety concerns related to wildlife or visibility.