Factsheet - All Terrain Vehicles

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are not suitable for all terrain.

The majority of fatalities in the agriculture sector involve off-road vehicles, and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) account for a significant proportion of these.  Statistics show that the summer months are when the majority of workplace injuries and fatalities  happen so people need to take extra care.

Common errors

• Speed – rushing and trying to do too much, too fast
• Driving too fast for the conditions, e.g. steep, wet, and rough ground
• Turning too sharply
• Misjudging the ATVs capabilities and limitations
• Overconfidence, complacency, and a lack of concentration
• Lack of knowledge, skill, and experience
• Neglecting ATV maintenance
• Use of incorrect tires
• Carrying passengers and cargo
• Overloading, uneven loading, and loads carried on slopes

Ways to protect yourself

• Wear a helmet
• Wear appropriate footwear
• Establish the safe routes and areas to ride an ATV
• Ensure that tracks and access-ways are maintained
• Avoid steep terrain
• Reduce speed to a safe and appropriate level for the conditions
• Complete a NZQA accredited training course to increase the driver’s knowledge, awareness, and skill level. Visit http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ for more information.
• ATVs are not designed to carry passengers or cargo
• Children under 12 are not permitted to drive an ATV
• Children between 12 and 15 should not drive an ATV unless they are physically capable of controlling it, and have had training

Read more about agricultural safety on the Department of Labour’s health and safety website by visiting www.dol.govt.nz