Being a safe driver doesn’t just apply to cars or motorcycles — it includes motorists for every type of motor vehicle and any type of roadway. With the rise in motorsport vehicles in particular, like all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, and more, especially in young adults, understanding the proper safety precautions to take with these kinds of vehicles is a must before ever starting up the engine.

That’s why, whether you’re a novice or an avid motorsport racer, August is the perfect time to give yourself a safety refresher. Motorsport Awareness Month is an opportunity to reintroduce yourself to the proper safety tips when it comes to motorsport vehicles.

What Is “Motorsports Awareness Month?”

The history of motorsports is fun and exciting. In 1885, a man named Carl Benz (yes, as in Mercedes-Benz) was quietly making history. He filed a patent in Berlin, Germany, for a “gas-powered vehicle” that would later become the car we know today.

Fast forward only a decade, in 1894, 21 drivers stood in line in Paris with their vehicles for the first-ever public automobile race. This race was held on public roads and captured the interest of thousands of spectators, with Benz and his car placing 14th.

Since then, it seems we push the limits more and more as technology continues to advance. Our cars have gotten faster, more aerodynamic, and more exciting to watch and drive. Take, for example, today’s Formula 1 (F1) race cars, which are designed to be as fast and aerodynamic as possible. Characterized by their complex and weaving race tracks, F1 races still capture hundreds of thousands of spectators today.

As technology advanced, it also became more accessible to everyday people. Those who want to get in on the fun of these sporting vehicles can easily purchase a motorcycle, dirt bike, or ATV and have a motorsport adventure of their own any time they want. This group of enthusiasts is broad, with folks from all over the country enjoying the freedom and fun a motorsports vehicle can bring in the warm months.

However, unlike the everyday driving they might be doing with their standard vehicle, motorsport enthusiasts may only bring out their vehicle once a year, so motorsport vehicle operators need to brush up on standard safety practices each season. Plus, others who may drive around motorsport drivers should also be aware of the common dangers cars can pose, which is why Motorsport Awareness Month was introduced.

Motorsports Safety Tips

If you’ll be enjoying the fun of operating a motorsport vehicle this summer, or even if you will be in a location where these vehicles are popular, it’s crucial to understand how to operate them safely. For motorsport vehicles that share the road with passenger cars, like motorcycles, even everyday passenger car drivers need to understand how to stay safe and look out for motorsport drivers on the road.

Overall, these are some of the essential safety tips to consider before operating motorsport vehicles:

1. Look Out For Trail or Road Conditions

Before taking off for your next adventure, you should continually assess the weather, terrain, and condition of the trail or roadway you wish to ride on. High speeds plus poor conditions can lead to accidents and serious injury. If you are off-roading, reach a trail with unknown conditions, and must travel on it, it’s best to take it slow and have the proper safety equipment and protective gear.

2. Use Protective Gear

While it should be common sense, like riding a bike, the first step in motorsport safety is having the proper protective gear, including always having a helmet. It’s also recommended to wear a long sleeve shirt and pants, goggles, gloves, and boots. It is also always a good idea to have a place to keep a cell phone or other communication device, especially when off-roading, as it can help you get in contact with emergency services should something go wrong.

3. Ride In the Daylight

While most motorsport vehicles have lights to help, accidents are still up to 3x more likely to happen after dark! Riding in the daylight increases your ability to see any obstacles or obstructions in front of you and to your sides and helps you avoid any potentially serious injuries. If traveling a road or trail shared with other drivers, daylight allows other drivers to see you (and you to see them) much more easily, helping you avoid potential collisions. So whenever possible, it’s a smart idea to drive when the sun is still shining.

However, advanced technology in some motor and powersport vehicles allows them to have brighter front lights to help you easily see the trail or the road conditions ahead of you. So while it’s best to avoid it altogether, you should always ensure all of the lights on your vehicle are in good working condition and bright enough to provide proper light if you find yourself driving after dark.

4. Watch Your Speed

Part of the draw for motorsport enthusiasts is that these vehicles allow you to enjoy the thrills that everyday cars might not be able to give you (unless you happen to be a NASCAR driver or a professional motocross rider). However, just because you can go faster in these vehicles doesn’t mean you should. Control of your vehicle is closely related to speed, so the faster you go, the less control you have over the vehicle. Combine this with improper road conditions, and you have a recipe for disaster.

This becomes an issue when you need to suddenly stop or veer out of the way of a potential hazard. If you find yourself driving on a roadway with other vehicles, such as on a motorcycle or scooter, always be cautious with your speed when changing lanes or when you find yourself in someone’s blind spot. So, while speed can be fun, control is always necessary. Never sacrifice your control over your vehicle for a joy ride!

5. Take a Motorsports Safety Course

Motorsports safety courses may or may not be required for you to enjoy operating a vehicle where you live. But, even if they are not required, it’s a smart move to take it upon yourself to enroll in a motorsport safety course. These courses are available for operators of ATVs, motorcycles, and all other types of motorsport vehicles. These courses can teach you methods to stay safe and help prevent fatal accidents.

Protect Your Everyday Vehicle with Endurance

It’s essential to ensure your safety this summer when you enjoy motorsport activities for yourself and others. And if you also happen to be the owner of an everyday vehicle, it’s also important to refresh yourself on general driving and car maintenance tips to help ensure you’re also safe out on the road, whether it’s driving to enjoy your motorsport vehicle, to the store or on your next cross-country road trip.

Like motorsport vehicles, following safety tips and even staying up-to-date on maintenance can’t prevent every issue, which is why having an Endurance auto protection plan for your car can help.

Like a car’s factory warranty, Endurance can provide comprehensive breakdown protection, so you don’t have to deal with costly out-of-pocket trips to the mechanic. You’ll also get even more peace of mind thanks to extra perks like 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, trip interruption coverage, and even rental car reimbursements — all of which come free with every Endurance plan. But that’s not all, as you’ll also be eligible for even more perks and savings with a year’s worth of Endurance Elite Benefits, including complete tire coverage, collision discounts, and more.*

Don’t wait until your car breaks down! Request a free quote or call an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 to customize the perfect protection plan for you and your vehicle.

The Endurance blog offers even more safe driving tips and other articles on topics ranging from expert auto tips to vehicle buying guides to extended warranty coverage comparisons.