Originally, motorsports in America were mainly about motocross, NASCAR, or drag racing. Today, they often involve dirt bikes, motorcycles, or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
August is Motorsports Awareness Month in the U.S. This is a time for promoting the enjoyment of motorsports and for educating people regarding safety. However, just like any other sport, motorsports come with risks. Each year, approximately 40,000 people die or get seriously injured in the U.S. due to motorsport-related accidents.
According to wellness expert, Beverly Beuermann-King, “Motorsports Awareness Month was originally conceived to promote taking a friend to motorsports activities to spread the word of the excitement to be found in drag races, motocross or NASCAR. Now we see that it is also about raising the awareness of the need for adequate and common sense safety standards that will help to keep young adults and children safe.”
It is also an excellent time of year for motorcycle road trips or exploring trails on ATVs. These common-sense safety tips can help keep children, young adults, and all motorsports participants safe on the road or trails.
- Take a motorsports safety course
- Wear a proper safety equipment, including a helmet and protective gear
- Stay off paved roads on ATVs, some motorsport vehicles are not designed for paved roads, such as ATVs
- Never allow children under the age of 16 to ride adult ATVs: 90% of ATV injuries involve children
- Never drink while riding or driving
- Pay attention to trail conditions and make sure the trail is safe
- Do not attempt tricks or stunts you are not qualified to perform safely
Motorsports can be an exhilarating way to have a good time. But they can also be the cause of an unexpected trip to the emergency room. Take the right safety precautions to protect you and your family from motorsports accidents and injuries. Have fun, but stay safe!
If you or someone you love was involved in a motorsports accident, we can help. Contact Metzger Wickersham today to request a free and confidential consultation.