DEATH and injuries resulting from quad bikes are unacceptable. with accidents resulting in an average 16 deaths a year.
Following up from a request from state and federal consumer affair ministers, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have drawn up a series of recommendations aiming to reduce deaths and injuries associated with quad bikes.
“They were concerned about quad bike safety and wanted to take action,” ACCC Agriculture Commissioner, Mick Keogh, said.
“It’s a tricky situation, vehicles that are predominately used on the roads, such as motorbikes and cars, have safety standards under the relevant state and commonwealth road traffic acts.
“Quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles fall outside, they are not a motor vehicle for the purposes of the act, they are a consumer good.”
Mr Keogh said the ACCC proposed major changes to improve the safety of quad bikes, including the introduction of a safety rating system, crush and roll-over protection devices and mandatory minimum performance standards.
“The ACCC believes a mandatory safety standard incorporating all of these elements is the best option to save lives and make quad bikes safer for everyone,” he said.
Mr Keogh said while there had been strong opposition from the manufacturers organisation for the inclusion of mandatory roll over protection, the ACCC are recommending it’s inclusion.
“The evidence available to us says in the absence of roll over protection, half of the fatalities occurring are unlikely to be prevented.
“There has been discussion on mandatory protective gear and age limits, however the way the legislation works the ACCC is not in a position to make those recommendations, they would need to be made by various state based legislation.
“I encourage stakeholders to consider the proposed options to improve the safety of quad bikes and make their submission by 4 May 2018, before we make a final recommendation to the Government mid-year” Mr Keogh said.