Quad bikes are a common sight on Walcha properties, however between 2001 and 2009 they have caused 127 deaths Australia-wide, an average of 14 per year.
Details from the National Coroner’s Information System compiled by the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (ACAHS), indicate that quad bikes are now a leading cause of deaths on farms, second only to tractors. Almost half of these deaths are the result of the machines rolling over and crushing the victim.
Walcha Ambulance officer Col Crossman said there have been a number of serious quad bike accidents in the region in the past six or seven years.
In Walcha the last serious quad bike accident was in August 2009 and that was the fifth serious incident involving a quad bike over a three-year period. One of those accidents was fatal.
Of the farm deaths in Australia, rollovers were responsible for 47 per cent of the deaths.
“It has been known for some time that the stability of quad bikes is questionable and that they are prone to rollover,” according to centre director Dr Tony Lower. “Often quad bikes are not the best or safest vehicle for the jobs that need to be undertaken on the farm. In many instances a small ute, side by side vehicle or two wheel motorbike will be a better alternative.”
Previous manufacturer-led research has not supported the use of devices to protect the rider in the event of a rollover.
“This has led to confusion among farmers as to whether rollover protection devices should be fitted or not,” he said.
However, recent Australian assessments undertaken by highly credentialed independent engineers, have called this advice into serious question. While further study continues, all quad bike owners should note that rollovers are a common cause of death and if quad bikes are to be used, owners/operators must assess the risks and take controls to reduce injury in the event of a rollover.
“Many farmers and other organisations have moved away from using quad bikes at all because the risk of rollover has been seen to be too high. Others including agricultural training institutions, have looked at the issues and fitted suitably tested protective devices to reduce risks in the event of a rollover,” Dr Lower said.
“The impact of deaths and serious injuries from quad bikes is significant and I am sure everyone in rural communities would like to see a decrease in these incidents. Based on current evidence we reinforce the message that all owners and operators of quad bikes should take steps to protect riders in the event of a rollover.”
The first step is selecting the safest vehicle for the task that needs to be completed, and if a quad bike is still to be used, then owners should be encouraged to fit a suitably tested rollover protective device to reduce the chances of death and serious injury.
Further information on quad bike safety including a new policy, tested rollover protective devices and rider guide can be obtained from the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety.
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