Quad bikes have been the leading causes of fatalities on farms
Quad bikes, which are also known as ATV’S, might make for an easier form of transportation and helps to eliminate the footwork in and around your farm, but with the lack of proper safety features set in place, it can be a hazard.
Statistics released by Safe Works Australia shows that the leading causes of fatalities on farms in Australia involved quad bikes. There have been 190 deaths involving quad bikes in 2015-16. The highest numbers of the data revealed that 82% of these fatalities were males, while 58% of quad bike fatalities involved rollovers.
This four-wheeled vehicle might look like an easy thing to muscle, and an exciting toy for teens, but if proper precautions are not taken it can result in tragedy. That’s why it is important that when you buy a new or used quad bike you ensure that there are adequate safety features in place.
Getting safety ready
There have been some moves by various farm organisations to introduce more safety measures when it comes to using a quad bike on a farm. The National Farmers Federation (NFF) having been lobbying for the past several years to have a star safety rating for bikes that will determine the safety of a bike based on its design and stability.
You can install safety devices on your quad and get paid for it. NSW farmers have been promoting the quad bike safety improvement program which gives farmers who use safety devices a rebate of up to $1000.
What to look for when buying a quad
Adding a new addition to your farm equipment in the form of a new bike can be exciting, but there are various factors that you need to consider. The most basic is ensuring that the quad is used properly by both workers and yourself.
Consider factors such as:
- It’s handle on various terrain conditions
- Centre of gravity
- Brakes
- Seat carrying capacity
- Power and speed
An additional safety measure is to always follow the manufacturer’s instruction on the use of the quad, even if you have been operating them for years. It’s always good to brush up on your skills.
Ensure that all guards are in place and that the bike can be easily operated from the seated position. Avoid altering the height of the mounting point or increasing the towing capacity which can have effects on your braking steering or suspension, which in turn can increase the risk of a rollover.
As a departing point, it will be wise to get adequate insurance for your four-wheeled thrown by comparing online deals that match your buck to keep your farm running with minimum hiccups.