In 2022 four people died in Western Australia due to a quad bike-related incident.1 Given this high incidence and the preventable nature of transport incidents it is vital that we all play our part in ensuring quad bikes are operated safely.
On an individual level to prevent quad bike-related injuries the operator should;
- Use personal protection equipment (including a helmet, eye protection, enclosed footwear, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection and safe clothing);
- Undertake pre-operational checks to ensure the vehicle is safe;
- Only operate equipment that is regularly maintained;
- Ride in pairs;
- Inform others where they plan on travelling and when they expect to return;
- Never operate a quad bike when affected by fatigue, drugs or alcohol;
- Never allow children under the age of 16 to operate a quad bike designed for adults;
- Never attempt jumps, stunts or tricks;
- Always ride at a safe speed; and
- Ride on tracks that they are familiar with.
Local Governments also play a role in reducing the risk of quad bike-related injuries within their local area by providing safe tracks where community members can ride their quad bikes. In addition to this environmental strategy, Local Governments should communicate quad bike safety messages within their community.
Injury Matters Quad Bike Toolkit is an informative resource to support Local Governments and other organisations raise awareness of the importance of quad bike safety and contains a number of templates to assist you in generating awareness of the topic.
References:
1. safe work Australia. Quad bike fatalities | Safe Work Australia. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/data-and-research/work-related-fatalities/quad-bike-fatalities (2023).