You will discover a lot of debate among riding enthusiasts when asked, “are dirt bikes safer than motorcycles?” A 2004 comparative study published in the Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care found that on-road motorcyclists will more likely sustain blunt abdominal trauma, skin trauma, blunt chest trauma, and death than off-road riders.
A survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that over 245 individuals died riding dirt bikes and off-road motorcycles in 2003. About 59,000 received emergency treatment for injuries suffered while riding offroad.
Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against permitting children under 16 to ride dirt bikes. So, are dirt bikes safer than motorcycles?
Read on to find out from the premier providers of dirt bike financing in Canada.
The Difference Between Dirt Bikes and Motorcycles
While motorists often use these terms interchangeably, dirt bikes and motorcycles have notable differences. Dirt bikes are designed for lower speeds and have a robust suspension system to absorb bumps and obstacles on the trail.
On the other hand, motorcycles are generally heavier and designed for cruising at highway speeds. When it comes to the riding experience, dirt bikes also remain significantly more compact and easier to handle.
Motorcycles have more bulk and prove more challenging to control. However, you’ll be more skillful when riding a dirt bike since you handle the bike as an extension of your body and can easily control it.
So, which is safer?
It’s generally safer to ride a dirt bike off-road than a motorcycle on-road. As a beginner, you can easily find an open field to practice riding at low speeds. Motorcycles become more difficult to balance and turn at low speeds.
Statistics on the Dangers of Dirt Bikes
Are dirt bikes dangerous? According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, over 50% of dirt bike injuries that end in a hospital admission result from dirt bike racing at an official track. These statistics show that racing and motocross prove more dangerous than trail raiding.
While many dirt bike crashes occur, only 7.5% of the victims were hospitalized in a 2001–2004 study conducted by the CDC. Another study revealed that only 35% of bone fractures sustained in dirt bike crashes happen above the waist.
Five of the Most Common Dirt Bike Injuries
Continue reading for some of the most common injuries a dirt bike rider may sustain in an accident:
- Ankle or wrist sprains
- Broken ankle or wrist
- Broken collarbone
- Head injuries
- Rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this information shouldn’t scare you from dirt bike riding. Understanding the dangers of riding will help you make the right choices, invest in the right gear, and stay safe.
Get Dirt Bike Financing
So, are dirt bikes safer than motorcycles? Statistics show that dirt bikes seem less dangerous and a safer option. If you plan on buying a dirt bike, you should compare electric dirt bikes vs. gas dirt bikes. Once you decide, contact Canada Powersports Financing at (Phone Number) for a dirt bike loan.
