The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is urging safe quad bike use ahead of the Easter long weekend. Sadly, there have been five quad bike related deaths this year, with 60 deaths reported between 2011 and 2013.
“Riding a quad bike can be a very dangerous activity. All riders, no matter how experienced, need to take precautions to avoid serious injury or death,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said “Ensuring you prepare safe, wear safe and ride safe will reduce your risk of being seriously injured or even killed in a quad bike accident,” “Riders are advised to wear protective gear at all times. This includes a helmet, long sleeves, long pants, boots or other sturdy shoes with a closed toe, and gloves.” Ms Rickard added.
Ms Rickard explained that half of the deaths reported since 2011 were associated with recreational use. Over the last three years, at least one in three riders who died was not wearing a helmet. Tragically, one in six quad bike related deaths between 2011 and 2013 involved children under 14 years old.
“Quad bikes can be particularly dangerous for children because they do not have the size, strength or coordination of adults. Parents and carers should never let children ride quad bikes meant for adults,” Ms Rickard said.