New Safety Initiative Aims to Prevent Serious Powersports Injuries
Sep 03, 2026
Young Powersports, University of Utah Health, and Mountain America Credit Union launch Gear Up and Go
A new injury-prevention initiative from Young Powersports, University of Utah Health, and Mountain America Credit Union aims to reduce serious injuries by helping powersports riders obtain protective equipment with their purchase of a machine.Through the Gear Up and Go Program, every customer who finances a new powersports vehicle through Mountain America Credit Union will receive a $200 in-store voucher. The voucher can be used at Young Powersports locations to purchase helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, riding pants, goggles, protective padding, and other safety equipment.“We're thrilled to promote this initiative, and provide this incredible offer to our patrons,” said Rad Gladfelder, director of Young Powersports. “Riders inherit a risk each time they're on their machine, and crashes both small and large occur every day. Proper gear is essential, and we're thankful we can team up with fantastic organizations thatwho share our values.”Powersports-related injuries are a recurring—and often preventable—burden on Utah’s health care system. Emergency departments regularly treat riders with traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, fractures, and serious injuries to the arms and legs following crashes, rollovers, and ejections. University of Utah Health trauma registry data collected from 2020 through 2025 found:68% of patients injured in off-highway vehicle incidents were not using safety equipment20% were documented as wearing a helmet11% were using a seat beltMany riders know they should wear a helmet and other protective equipment. However, gear can feel optional amid the excitement and expense of purchasing a new vehicle. Gear Up and Go addresses that barrier at a critical point—when riders acquire their vehicle and before riding habits are established. “Preventing traumatic injuries begins long before someone arrives at our trauma center,” said Christopher Gee, MD, a sports and emergency medicine physician at University of Utah Health. “By helping riders obtain protective equipment before their first ride, the program turns safety awareness into action. Our goal is to help people enjoy outdoor recreation while reducing their risk of injuries that can have lifelong consequences.”Through Gear Up and Go, University of Utah Health extends its commitment to community health beyond its clinical walls. By providing injury-prevention expertise and rider education, the health system is working to prevent traumatic injuries before emergency care is needed. The launch of Gear Up and Go coincides with the release of Young Powersports’ film Chasing Dust, Vol. II. A screening event inspired by the Warren Miller film festivals, the picture features pre-eminent riding and interviews from some of the top professionals in the industry. Enthusiasts are invited to watch for free at the Young Automotive Group’s headquarters on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.
About University of Utah HealthUniversity of Utah Health is the state’s only academic health care system, providing leading-edge and compassionate care for a referral area that encompasses 10 percent of the U.S., including Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and much of Nevada. A hub for health sciences research and education in the region, U of U Health has a $531 million research enterprise and trains the majority of Utah’s physicians, along withand more than 1,670 scientists and 1,460 health care providers each year at its Colleges of Health, Nursing, and Pharmacy and Schools of Dentistry and Medicine. With more than 27,000 employees, the system includes 12 community clinics and five hospitals: University Hospital, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University Orthopaedic Center, and the Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. For 16 straight years, U of U Health has ranked as one of the top- performing U.S. academic medical centers in the rigorous Vizient Quality and Accountability Study.
About Young PowersportsYoung Powersports opened their first location in Burley, Idaho in 2015. They've since become the premier powersports dealer for northern Utah, southern Idaho and Missoula, Montana, carrying vehicles from several manufacturers at their eleven dealerships. In 2023, the company opened their flagship location in Centerville, Utah — the largest motorsport dealership in the state.
Media Contact: University of Utah Health Public Affairs
Email: UUHMediaRelations@hsc.utah.edu
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