Is it a dangerous sport?
Motocross can be a very dangerous sport. According to the CDC, almost 24,000 under-20 off-road riders were treated in US emergency rooms from 2001-2004. During 2003, thirteen people under twenty years old died in accidents caused by motocross or off-road riding. You can reduce the danger by following some basic safety precautions and always wearing full safety equipment.
That safety equipment should include goggles, gloves, a helmet, chest protector and motocross boots. The helmet should be full-face and made either of high-impact plastic or fiberglass with a foam liner. Goggles should fit snugly and gloves should have leather palms. Boots should allow the rider to move freely while providing protection and support to the sole of the foot, the ankle and the shin. Chest protectors should cover the upper portion of the rib cage and the breastbone.
Safety is a worthwhile investment, and you should also think about buying items such as a jersey with padding in the elbows, a kidney belt, mouth guard, and forearm padding. However, safety equipment is just one way of alleviating the dangers of motocross. To minimize the chances of getting hurt, you should get regular exercise to both increase your endurance and strengthen your muscles.
Above all, remember these common sense rules. Don't ride alone, and if you sense trouble, get off your bike. Drink plenty of water to stave off dehydration, which can dull your judgement and reaction time. Try to avoid a collision if it happens on the track in front of you. Following the above guidelines can greatly reduce the dangers encountered when riding motocross.