Quad Bikes Have Limits
Media Release
29 September 2010
The three Northland farmers killed in quad bike accidents in the last eight weeks are a sad reminder that quad bikes aren’t ‘all terrain vehicles’, the Department of Labour says.
Northland Service Manager Rod Gibbon says quad bikes can‘t go everywhere and do everything.
“Quad bikes have limits, and they are very unforgiving when these limits are exceeded. Before anyone on a farm rides a quad bike they should think whether it’s the right vehicle for the job. For many tasks it won’t be," Mr Gibbon says.
“The Department is investigating the circumstances of all three accidents, so it’s too early to say exactly what caused them.
“Quad bike safety on farms is a priority focus for the Department. On average, every year 850 people get hurt and five die riding quad bikes on New Zealand farms,” Mr Gibbon says.
ENDS
Note to Editor
The quad bike fatalities being investigated by the Department happened on 9 August at Kaikohe, 16 September in the Dargaville area and 25 September at Hikurangi.
The Department cannot comment on the detail of ongoing investigations.
Please note that health and safety services, formerly referred to as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) should now be referred to as the Department of Labour.
