“Hold Your Ta Tas” - The Importance of Keeping Your Hands In While Off-Roading
When it comes to off-roading, every ride brings an exhilarating sense of freedom and adventure. Yet, for all the thrill the sport provides, safety should never take a back seat. One of the most critical safety habits in off-roading can be summed up in the phrase: “Hold Your Ta Tas.” This catchy, light-hearted expression carries a serious message: when a roll or flip feels imminent, keep your hands inside the vehicle and firmly crossed over your chest.
The Risk of Hand Injuries in Off-Roading
Off-roading vehicles, from UTVs (utility task vehicles) to dune buggies, are equipped with roll cages and safety harnesses to protect riders in the event of a rollover. However, these measures are only effective if riders use them correctly. The instinct to brace yourself by grabbing the roll cage or sticking a hand out of the vehicle during a rollover can lead to catastrophic injuries. According to safety studies, fingers, hands, and even arms are among the most common body parts injured in off-road accidents.
Kristen Scharbarth, owner of GoFastGirls, emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in off-road safety: “It’s natural to want to protect yourself, but the safest thing you can do is trust your equipment and keep your hands in.”
Why “Hold Your Ta Tas” Matters
The phrase “Hold Your Ta Tas” is not just a cheeky reminder; it’s a life-saving mantra. Off-road vehicles can flip without warning, and when that happens, the momentum can cause hands and arms to fling outward. Grabbing onto external bars or letting a limb exit the vehicle can result in:
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Crushed Fingers or Hands: Even at low speeds, the weight of a vehicle can easily crush a hand caught between the roll cage and the ground.
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Broken Bones: The impact of a rollover can fracture fingers, wrists, or arms if they’re outside the safety confines.
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Severed Limbs: In extreme cases, limbs can be caught and severed by the vehicle’s frame or surrounding terrain.
Bear Scharbarth, owner of GoFastGirls, reinforces this point: “We’ve seen too many close calls and injuries in the off-roading community. Teaching people to hold their chest and trust their gear can make all the difference.”
Trust Your Gear: The Role of Safety Equipment
Modern off-road vehicles come equipped with advanced safety features designed to protect occupants during accidents. These include:
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Trust Your Gear: The Role of Safety Equipment
Modern off-road vehicles come equipped with advanced safety features designed to protect occupants during accidents. These include:
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Five-Point Harnesses: Two shoulder straps, two lap belts, and a single strap that connects between the legs, preventing upward movement in the seat. This design ensures maximum restraint and distributes impact forces evenly across the body in the event of sudden movements or collisions. Adjustable and durable, a 5-point harness provides the confidence and protection needed for extreme conditions while maintaining comfort and reliability.
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Roll Cages: Made from strong, durable materials like steel or chrome-moly, it is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces, preventing the roof and sides of the vehicle from collapsing. Roll cages are commonly used in racing, off-road vehicles, and any high-performance cars where the risk of rollovers or collisions is higher. They help keep the driver and passengers safe by maintaining the integrity of the cabin during extreme conditions.
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Window Nets: Are safety devices used in racing and off-road vehicles to prevent driver and passenger limbs from exiting the vehicle during a crash or rollover. They are typically made of durable mesh material and are mounted on the vehicle's window frame. The primary purpose of window nets is to keep debris, rocks, or other hazards from entering the cabin and to provide additional protection against ejection, ensuring that the occupants remain inside the vehicle for added safety during high-impact situations.
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By keeping your hands crossed over your chest—as the “Hold Your Ta Tas” mantra suggests—you’re maximizing the effectiveness of these features.
The Science Behind Instinctive Reactions
When danger strikes, our bodies often respond instinctively. This "fight or flight" response can cause an automatic reaction to reach out or grab onto something for stability. However, this instinct is counterproductive in an off-road vehicle. Training yourself to override this impulse and adopt the “Hold Your Ta Tas” position takes practice, but it’s worth it. Practicing this safety measure during non-emergency situations can help make it second nature.
How to Prepare for Safer Off-Roading
Safety on the trails begins long before you hit the gas pedal. Here are some preparation tips to ensure a safe ride:
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Inspect Your Gear: Make sure all safety equipment- including harnesses and roll cage- is on good condition.
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Practice Safety Drills: Simulate a potential rollover scenario in a controlled environment and practice keeping your hands in.
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Wear Protective Gear: Helmets, gloves, and padded clothing add an extra layer of safety.
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Follow Vehicle Limits: Know your vehicle’s capabilities and avoid taking unnecessary risks on challenging terrain.
Building a Culture of Safety
At GoFastGirls, we believe in empowering women to dominate the world of motorsports and action sports while prioritizing safety. Part of building this community is fostering a culture where safety habits are not just recommended but celebrated. By adopting practices like “Hold Your Ta Tas,” we’re ensuring that our members can push boundaries without putting themselves at undue risk.
As Kristen Scharbarth puts it, “Being fearless doesn’t mean being reckless. The bravest racers know when to prioritize safety.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I cross my arms over my chest during a rollover? A: Crossing your arms over your chest prevents your hands and arms from flinging outward, reducing the risk of severe injuries like fractures or amputations.
Q: What happens if I grab the roll cage during a flip? A: Grabbing the roll cage can result in crushed fingers or hands. The roll cage is designed to protect you only when your limbs are inside the vehicle.
Q: How can I train myself to override the instinct to reach out? A: Regularly practicing safety drills in a controlled environment can help you develop muscle memory, making it easier to adopt the “Hold Your Ta Tas” position during an emergency.
Q: Is off-roading safe for beginners? A: Yes, off-roading can be safe for beginners if you follow safety protocols, use the right equipment, and start with manageable terrains.
Q: Can children safely ride in off-road vehicles? A: Children can safely ride as long as they use appropriately sized safety equipment and are taught to keep their hands inside the vehicle at all times.
Off-roading is all about embracing the thrill of the unknown, but that doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. The simple act of keeping your hands inside the vehicle and adopting the “Hold Your Ta Tas” position can prevent life-altering injuries and ensure that every ride ends with a smile instead of a trip to the ER.
At GoFastGirls, we stand behind our community of fearless women and girls who are breaking barriers in motorsports. By spreading awareness about off-road safety, we’re making the trails safer for everyone. Remember, your hands are meant to steer your journey, not bear the brunt of a rollover. Stay safe, stay fast, and most importantly, keep holding your Ta Tas.
