[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/common-motocross-injuries\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/common-motocross-injuries\/","headline":"Motocross Injuries: How Riders Can Stay Safe on Race Day","name":"Motocross Injuries: How Riders Can Stay Safe on Race Day","description":"Motocross is a thrilling sport that's quickly gaining popularity. However, with the thrills comes the inevitable side of danger, learn how to stay safe.","datePublished":"2018-04-06","dateModified":"2019-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","name":"Sports Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/sports-medicine-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/sports-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/motocross-injuries.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/motocross-injuries.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/common-motocross-injuries\/","about":["Sports Medicine"],"wordCount":468,"keywords":["common motocross injuries","motocross injuries","motocross safety"],"articleBody":"Motocross is a thrilling, off-road motorcycle racing sport that\u2019s quickly gaining in popularity.But with the thrill of the ride \u2014 accelerating up dirt hills and cruising through muddy terrain \u2014 comes the risk of injury. The five most common motocross injuries are:Ankle sprainsAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tearsBroken collarboneBroken or sprained wristRotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuriesBecause motocross accidents, falls, and collisions occur often, it’s important for riders to have proper, well-fitted safety equipment that is suited to their age, experience, and level of competition.Connect with UPMC Sports Medicine online or by calling 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).When It Comes to Safety, You Need the Right Motocross GearIn motocross, there is always the possibility of crashing during practice or in a race. Wearing the proper gear can soften the impact of a fall or crash, leading to a less severe injury.Always wear long pants and long sleeves made of durable material.Kneepads and knee braces can help prevent ligament injuries.Body armor and chest protectors can provide an extra layer of coverage. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit your performance level.Protecting your eyes in the event of a crash is critical. Wear shatterproof goggles to shield your eyes during a fall, crash, or flying debris.Boots that fit properly are an important part of staying safe and avoiding common motocross injuries. If your boots are too big, it can be difficult to control the bike. And boots must have a steel toe to comply with safety requirements.Most importantly, the value of wearing a helmet cannot be overstated. Your helmet should fit your head well and strap securely. Make sure your helmet has a certification sticker to ensure it meets safety regulations.RELATED: More Than Upper Body and Lower Body: Your Guide to Hockey InjuriesMotocross Race Preparation: How You Can Stay SafeCheck your equipment in advanceWalk the track (you need to know where the trouble spots might be)Don’t forget to stretchBring a friend or family member in case of an emergencyInspect your dirt bike for any tune-ups or parts replacements prior to racingMotocross Crash Safety: What to Do If You WreckCrashing your bike is a part of motocross. If you do crash, you should not attempt to restart your bike in the middle of the track.The safest thing to do is to move yourself and your bike out of the way of other riders, if you can.If you are seriously injured, you should stay in place and wait for help. If you and your team have a signal for assistance, try to give it as soon as possible.Connect with UPMC Sports Medicine online or by calling 1-855-93-SPORT (77678). "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Motocross Injuries: How Riders Can Stay Safe on Race Day","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/04\/common-motocross-injuries\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]