A group of five Australian all-terrain vehicle (ATV) manufacturers unanimously criticised the Government’s new protection rule.
Roll-over ‘protection’ devices must now be fitted to ATVs sold in Australia, prompting the manufacturers, represented by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) to respond to the announcement.
University of New South Wales research shows that quad bikes fitted with the most popular brand of roll-over device were involved in a statistically significant increase of risk to the rider, the group cited.
In the same survey, it showed there was no overall injury benefit when a roll-over protection device was fitted.
The group also say the devices are designed as a one-size-fits-all and roughly bolted on after sale. There is no way of knowing how it will behave in a crash situation and potentially could cause further injury to riders.
The manufacturers also question who would be responsible for a fatality or injury to the untested device?
“The device manufacturer? The ATV manufacturer? The fitting agent? The Government for legislating fitment?”
These five safety recommendations by ATV manufacturers have long been advocated to improve ATV outcomes in workplaces:
- Choose a vehicle that is best suited to the task, terrain and operator’s skill.
- Ensure riders are trained so they understand the vehicle attributes and limitations
- Ensure the operator is physically fit, wearing a helmet and not intoxicated
- Never allow under-16s on adult-sized ATVs, or passenger on single ATVs, do not overload the vehicle and take special care on hills
- Follow the manufacturer’s warnings and advice.
Employers and workplaces should complete a risk assessment of ATV use to identify any potential risks.
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