Like just about any other recreational activity, RVing, OHVing, and camping have a certain amount of risk. But unless you are reckless or careless the risks shouldn't be any higher than most other leisure time pursuits. In fact, the statistical probability of being injured jogging is probably higher than getting hurt riding your OHV if you are wearing proper personal protective equipment and riding reasonably and responsibly. That having been said, you must still exercise a certain amount of common sense.
I have been accused of being a "risk taker" for riding dirt bikes. What my accusers don't realize is that, statistically, the biggest danger I faced going dirt biking was driving on the southern California freeways to get there -- a risk they shared going to the mall! Admittedly there is some chance of injury operating any off-highway vehicle. But there is also some chance of injury playing golf or tennis or bowling. Same with running, playing basketball, or football or just working out at the gym. In fact, the frequency and severity of recreational football injuries is far greater than those of dirt biking.
There is risk in almost everything we do. The key to safety is in managing the risk. I use what I egotistically call "Lemont's Law": If either the probability of an undesirable outcome is high or the consequences of a negative outcome are unacceptable, I avoid the activity. In other words, if it is highly likely you will be injured or break something or if the kind of injuries or damage you might get are severe regardless of the probability, back off! Don't do something you know is going to hurt you and don't do something if the negative consequences are unacceptable, even if the probability of a bad outcome is fairly low.
That doesn't mean you have to forgo the fun stuff. Just make sure you and your equipment are up to it. I often counseled my sometimes over-eager teen riders to back off just 1/2 of one percent. I observed that it was often that little extra push that carried them into dangerous territory. My oldest son finally realized that when you reached the "just one more jump" or "just one more hill climb" point in an outing, it was time to pack it up and go home -- BEFORE that "one more". That last attempt was often the source of most expensive accidents and extensive and painful injuries. I recall one such "last hill climb" where he made it almost all the way to the top, then flipped his brand new KX250 and it landed on its right side on the rocks with very disappointing and expensive consequences. Fortunately he was not seriously hurt, except his pride and his wallet. That might have been the event that finally convinced him that it was time to go home before doing "just one more".
The perception of risk is often colored by prejudice for or against a particular activity. For example, California passed a motorcycle helmet law a few years ago, largely based on distorted cost of motorcycle accidents to California taxpayers as reported by the legislative sponsor of the law (he later admitted his bloated figures included the cost of ALL motor vehicle accidents). Yet, even though the rate for head injuries for equestrian accidents is much higher than for motorcycle accidents, there has been no public outcry for an equestrian helmet law. The public perceives riding a motorcycle as inherently more dangerous than riding a horse. Unfortunately, a lot of people practice the concept "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up." I was amused when a group of street motorcycle riders gathered at Los Angeles City Hall to protest a previous proposed helmet law. About 1200 riders showed up, ALL wearing helmets! Wearing a helmet is just common sense, but they felt it should be their choice.
Many activities associated with camping and RVing have a certain amount of risk. Campfires are probably one of the most common causes of injuries among campers. But the only time campfires are outlawed is during fire restrictions which have nothing to do with risk of immediate personal injury. Campfire accidents include grabbing a hot pan with bare hands, falling into the fire, catching clothing on fire, being burned by embers ejected from the fire, and burning or otherwise injuring bystanders with marshmallow and hot dog cookers. As campers we (usually) successfully manage the risks of a campfire by following proper safety procedures. Fishing is another very popular pastime, yet it is also fraught with danger. Hunters sometimes shoot each other. Fisherman have drowned when they fell into a stream or lake or fell off of a boat. They have injured themselves or bystanders with errant fish hooks. Hikers all too frequently sprain or break an ankle. Bird watchers have fallen out of trees. Most of these accidents are preventable just using sense and by using proper safety equipment and following appropriate safety procedures.
Some people see boondocking or even staying in a campground as inherently risky. As a result come campers choose to arm themselves with pepper spray or even firearms. If you feel the need to arm yourself, make sure you get proper training and licensing and check local laws and regulations. We boondocked in the Mojave Desert every holiday weekend for almost 30 years without any problems with crime or feeling unsafe.
Managing the risk of camping, RV, and OHV activities is mostly a matter of applying some common sense. Unfortunately, it seems there is nothing quite so rare as common sense. First of all, choose activities that are suitable for your physical condition and avoid things that might aggravate an existing injury or weakness. Second, wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when participating in physical activities. Third, learn how to do what you're trying to do. There is a right way (a safer way) for hiking, hunting, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, OHV riding, camping, and RVing. Fourth, recognize your limits. Professional drivers, motocrossers, and water skiers can do things that are WAY beyond the skill of most people, but seeing them in movies and on TV, people try it anyway, in spite of the "don't try this at home" warnings that usually accompany dangerous professional performances. If you really want to perform some of those outrageous stunts take the time to learn how to to them right and to build up your skills so you can do them safely. If possible, find someone with enough expertise in performing the stunt to be able to teach and coach you how to learn how to do it safely.
As Rocky Balboa says: "Not so bad!"
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