Children Could Be Banned From Using Quad Bikes

A new study has found that banning children from under the age of 16 from using quad bikes would reduce deaths and injuries on farms.

161 people were killed in quad bike accidents in Australia between 2000 and 2014, and The University of Adelaide report is the first of its kind and examined the circumstances surrounding both fatal and non-fatal accidents.

Lisa Wundersitz, Lead Author of the report, told ABC news that riders often believed quad bikes were more stable to ride than other vehicles and therefore safe to ride on all-terrains. The overwhelming majority of quad bike fatalities were on agricultural properties, with 38 per cent of riders in fatal accidents not wearing a helmet.

“Quad bikes are not as safe as you think, they can be unstable,” Dr Wundersitz said. “There is a perception that accidents happen to people who are being stupid or are inexperienced but they can actually happen doing everyday tasks, really simple things.”

“But this leads to a false sense of security, in fact, quad bikes have become the leading cause of unintentional death on Australian farms,” she said. “Typically, quad bikes overturn when used on steep inclines, when they are carrying heavy loads. From turning too sharply, or simply because the vehicle has struck a hidden rock in the ground.”

The report included a series of recommendations, including the promotion of the use of helmets and the potential development of a new helmet would be better suited for day-to-day use on agricultural properties. The introduction of a ban on the riding of quad bikes for children under the age of 16 was also flagged as an important recommendation in the report’s findings.

Image source: Getty Images

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13 Comments

- - aprilb1 said
  - 08 Apr 2016
    10:11 am
I think it’s up to the parent’s and they should know if the kids are old enough and capable to do so. And that they understand the dangers.

- - mom94125 said
  - 28 Feb 2016
    4:44 pm
it is up to the parents to ensure that their child is capable, mature, responsible and knows how to handle the bike safely

- - jodiev1980 said
  - 26 Feb 2016
    10:29 am
I agree that I don’t know how they would police this. So many kids ride little quad bikes nowadays.

- - meedee said
  - 10 Feb 2016
    5:39 pm
I think if this was brought in as law there would be many people who would complain. I see that it comes from a place of caring but at the same time I do think parents need to teach kids set rules for these types of things and if they cant stick to the rules then they lose the privilege of being able to ride.

- - mom103920 said
  - 10 Feb 2016
    1:14 pm
Our teens use our smaller quad, which is speed limited. We are adamant they always use their helmets, have had safety instructions, and are not allowed in our top paddock, which is too steep. It is a simple thing for a child to wear a helmet, be it a quad or a normal push bike. Accidents happen all too quickly, and we probably wouldn’t have a quad if it wasn’t for a productive purpose. Our 9 year old is only allowed to tow the little trailer with the ride on mower. He has to be older until we let him on the quad.

- - rachelvk said
  - 10 Feb 2016
    12:23 pm
I don’t necessarily think banning use is the answer. All vehicles are dangerous unless they are used safely. Education is the key.

- - mom101628 said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    11:54 pm
Almost impossible to enforce these restrictions on a farm – I have driven one of these quad bikes and they are not as easy as it first looks. However, children will always try these things out and dads need all the help they can get on a farm – recipe for disaster. Should we go back to the horse? Just as many accidents then, I guess.

- - curlytops said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    11:40 pm
Sadly thats a huge figure – 161 killed. It is easy to go too fast and usually the ground is uneven and so you can see how an accident is very possible.

- - Mummytoabeautifulprincess said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    10:20 pm
All sounds good in theory. This would be almost impossible to police. Most properties have quad bikes these days.

- - mum4107 said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    9:59 pm
If they are not old or responsible enough to get a licence, then they shouldnt ride a quad bike

- - coastalkaryn said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    8:50 pm
they are dangerous for adults too, I know of so many accidents on these guys

- - june11 said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    8:42 pm
Too many go at exessive speed and don’t think about the terrain they are riding on. I would be interested to learn where the other accidents happened as it is illegal to ride them in public areas. You can’t register a quadbike.

- - mom165081 said
  - 09 Feb 2016
    7:33 pm
Farm accidents and deaths are all too common. My uncle was severely injured on a farm and I am all for the recommendations as outlined in this article.