Injuries in motocross and enduro: how to avoid accidents?

Motorcycle enthusiasts are divided into two groups: those who drive on roads or trails, and those who drive off-road. I must say that these two practices are very different and bring individual sensations. For several years the disciplines of motocross and enduro are becoming more and more popular in France. Both as a hobby and as a competition.

This practice is under strict control and is most often carried out in specially designated areas. However, motocross and enduro are both dangerous and risky activities when you look at the number of injuries each year.

So what's the danger of motocross? What are the most common motocross accidents? How to reduce the risk of an accident? Find all the information about the risk of injury associated with motocross practice and helpful tips to reduce injuries during training and competition.

The dangers of motocross and enduro

The motorcyclist needs to be aware of the risks involved. Really, bikers are highly vulnerable in the event of a fall or collision... This is why it is so important to know your limits and the limits of your vehicle's capabilities.

When it comes to using motorcycles “off-road”, that is, off paved roads, the risks increase due to the nature of the terrain, as well as due to the way motocross or enduro is driven.

Recall motocross practice takes place on rough and loose terrain from earth, sand and even pebbles. The pilots then follow a route consisting of many bumps, sharp turns and obstacles that must be overcome (tree trunks, stones, etc.). Enough to get an adrenaline rush and thrill.

Unfortunately, accidents are common and their severity can range from a simple scratch to hospitalization and even death in the event of an unfortunate fall. Pilot error, poor reception after a jump or collision with another motorcycle or obstacle are all possible hazards.

. the dangers are all the more increased as the practice is aimed at being competitive... Indeed, then we tend to expand our capabilities to win the race. This increases the degree and severity of the risk of injury.

Motocross crashes: the most frequent falls

On a motocross or enduro track, there are many ways to get injured. From most frequent falls, note:

• Bad reception after the jump. Jumping can be especially high on rough terrain, and a mistake while riding or losing control of the motorcycle can result in poor reception.
• Bumping into another practitioner or obstacle. Indeed, you ride with several motocross bikers. Therefore, a collision occurred quickly.
• Loss of motorcycle control. The practice is very difficult both physically and technically. Due to accumulated fatigue, a pilot error quickly occurred. Likewise, loss of control can be caused by motorcycle failure or loss of traction, such as when cornering or climbing.

Motocross accidents: the most common injuries

Un a large number of motocross accidents ended in the hospital... Indeed, studies have shown that, on average, 25% of accidents result in the victim being hospitalized. This highlights the dangers of this practice.

Likewise, many injured motorcyclists believe more than one injury resulting from the same accidentshowing the brutality and brutality of the upheavals.

To better understand the risks associated with motocross practice, here list of the most common injuries :

• Fractures: One or more bones are broken. We are also talking about, for example, broken knees and wrists. Several years later, some bikers complained of osteoarthritis, pain and loss of motor skills due to these injuries.
• Knee sprains are also very common, but less severe than fractures.
• Contusions: injury to one or more muscles.
• Lesions: The victim has multiple abrasions, cuts and injuries to the skin.
• Internal trauma: shock leads to trauma to the skull, abdomen, etc.

Most often, falls in motocross cause injuries to the lower extremities. Then there are injuries to the upper limbs and, finally, to the head. Therefore, the severity of possible injury should not be minimized by practicing this all-terrain mechanical sport.

Tips for Limiting the Risk of Injury in Motocross

Thus, the practice of riding off-road motorcycles is as intense as it is a risky sport. But some tips and tricks can minimize the risk of injury from a fall or accident. How to avoid getting hurt on motocross ? Here are the answers!

Protect yourself by wearing suitable protective equipment.

The first thing to do to avoid serious injury in motocross is to properly protect yourself. The practice of motocross requires the wearing of personal protective equipment to effectively protect the rider in the event of a fall or collision.

At least this The following protective equipment must be worn on the motocross track :

• Cross-type full face helmet adapted for this practice and fitted with a mask.
• Leather gloves.
• Knee-high boots.
• Back protection and another chest protection that are comfortable.
• Abrasion resistant jersey and cross pants.

. experts in the field also recommend wearing a knee brace.... This protector is placed at leg level and protects the knee in the event of a fall or impact. This equipment is especially important if your knee is weakened or if you resume exercise after an injury. The brace prevents injury by protecting the knee during impact. Here you will find several models of motocross knee pads.

You can also improve your equipment by wearing elbow pads, shoulder pads and other special protective equipment.

but the quality of the equipment is also an important criterion... It is necessary to select quality protective equipment adapted to the morphology of each pilot.

Prepare yourself physically for motorsport

The practice of motocross and enduro is very physical, so agrees to undergo appropriate training... Indeed, it is impossible to effectively drive a two-wheeled vehicle of this type without having the conditions for.

We recommend you, for example, warm up before riding cross-country... But more than a warm-up, you must prepare your body for the intensity of this practice by doing outdoor sports such as jogging, cycling, and strength training.

 Service your off-road motorcycle properly

One off-road motorcycle wears out faster than a motorcycle that is exclusively driven off-road. Indeed, dirt, sand and stones will damage various elements of the motorcycle. When it comes to shocks and shocks that a motorcycle is subjected to, for example, they quickly degrade suspension and braking performance.

Therefore, it is necessary keep track of the condition of your bike before and after every cross country race... And outside, to respect the various interviews given by the manufacturer. You can either service your motocross yourself or entrust this job to the garage.

Plus, using the right tires will help prevent falls. Depending on the nature and configuration of the terrain, you will have a choice between different cross and enduro tires.

Train motocross at the motorcycle club

Here are two tips for learning how to properly control steering movements and reflexes: start this practice at a young age (if possible in childhood) and practice it at the motorcycle club... After that, you will be supervised by specialists who will advise you and help you become better.

Indeed, it is not advisable to run motocross alone, for example on private land. It is also necessary to think about getting good insurance, at least about liability insurance.