Every time I’ve gone out on a trail inevitably I’ll see at least one OHV family full throttling down the trail without helmets. It’s scary when you think about the potential. The worst is when I see a single dirt bike rider out for a morning ride all alone not properly protected. Over and over again we have all seen or even participated in this kind of practice, taking safety for granted. Today let’s take a look at a few statistics specifically for the OHV dirt bike crowd.

Dirt bike riding is a lot of fun. There’s something about it that is so freeing about it, but often that same free feeling has us making the wrong choices when it comes to safety.

Dirt Bike (Off Road) Accidents 2019

• In 2019  61 dirt bike riders were killed in OffRoad accidents 
• In 70 % of those accidents the victims were 30 or younger.
• 66 % of those victims did not wear a helmet.
• Alcohol use is a factor in nearly 50% of fatalities

Here’s a list of the most common injuries riders suffer 

• Ankle or wrist sprains
• ACL tears
• Broken collarbone
• Broken ankle or wrist
• Head injuries – concussions 

The OHV community has to do better. It’s important to have fun, follow your passions, and chase adventure. But it’s more important do it safely and responsibly. Helmets, chest and spine plates, gloves, elbow and knee protection, and riding boots are all a critical part of a practice that can save us from injury and potentially death. Today’s advanced technology in protective gear is so light weight, breathable, and mobile that wearing it is no longer what you might think it is. Far removed from your 15 pound, sparkly blue, American flag helmet of childhood.

At the end of the day, the OHV community has to be responsible and hold each other responsible in the mission to make assure everyone on the trail is geared up properly, having a fun safe time, and being responsible out there.