.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
ATVs and quad-bikes were responsible for 23 deaths nationwide last year, with 18 of these occurring on farms, according to research of media reports by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety.
For the first time, tractors were not the leading cause of death on farms, being responsible for 10 fatalities. Three of the farm deaths on quad-bikes involved children under 15. Among non-fatal farm incidents, quad-bikes were also the main cause with a third of the 81 incidents.
The report found that rollovers are responsible for half of all quad-bike deaths and suggested rollover protection bars (ROPs) and crush protection devices (CPDs) on quad bikes would reduce deaths and injury, a move reflected in the Queensland Government's draft safety amendments for ATVs and quad-bikes.
However, manufacturers and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries have rejected the move, claiming such devices can cause more injuries than they prevent.
They say that ATVs and quad-bikes are different from tractors because they frequently require riders to stand up and shift their weight around to stabilise the vehicle, rather than remaining seated all the time.
The FCAI supports mandatory helmets, prohibiting children under 16 operating adult quad bikes and training ATV operators.
Comments