Young Riders Safety Starts With A Youth Motorcycle Helmet

By: Russell Soulier


Everyone needs to ride safe whether it's a motorcycle or ATV, but our children rely on us to keep them safe and as parents that's our job. Young rider's safety starts with a youth motorcycle helmet.

Whether you've just purchased your child's first bike or they are about to ride their first ATV there are some safety tips for your children and young teens. In rural and remote areas it's very common for kids to use this type of equipment. And each year there are serious injuries that result.

Did you know that in North America 30% of ATV and motorcycle accidents that resulted in a fatality involved children under 15 years. And that more than 1/3 of serious injuries involved kids under 15 yeas of age. That's too many children and the statistics need to change. But that can only happen with behavioral changes. So what are the main reasons for these accidents?

1. Lack of experienceWe all know that the more experience we get the better our skills become in whatever we are doing. Motorbikes and ATV's are no different. So accidents go up based on age. This means you should start your children off with basic operating and only progress as their skills increase.

2. AgeIn reality children under 16 shouldn't operate any motorized equipment because they don't have the skills, strength, or maturity to do it safely. By law in many states or provinces 14 is the legal age. As a parent you know your child best and should make decisions based on that.

3. PassengersYou should not allow your children to carry passengers. Passengers change the feel of the machine and the balance and they can also distract the driver.

4. Proper EquipmentWhether you are talking about their first dirt bike or their first ATV you need to buy equipment that fits properly to their size and you need to buy the best youth helmet money can buy. After all this is your child's safety.

5. TrainingSending your child to proper training programs is an excellent way to get them the skills they need and deserve. The Canada Safety Council offers several so check with them.

6. Number of WheelsWhen it comes to ATV's a four wheel ATV is much more stable than a three wheel ATV. Choose well.

7. LawsAnd of course there are laws that are in effect. Be sure to check your province or state. Generally the minimum age is 14 years under adult supervision. ATV's may not require licensing, street bikes do, and dirt bikes depend on where you live. Check local regulations.

8. Protective GearOn top of the best helmet available make sure your child has other protective gear such as boots, gloves, jacket, and pants. This equipment is designed to protect against abrasion.

So whether you are looking for a youth motorcycle helmet or full protective gear shopping online can get you great selection and great prices. So why not start shopping right now?



Russell has been as a technician for automotive industry for more than 10 years. His major expertise's is in the motorcycles. For his work, he finds it advantageous to keep a notebook about motorcycle gear. At www.bikeoutfit.com, he makes this information open to the public to facilitate the evaluation of the different gears.