Calls for Mandatory Safety Rules for Use of ATVs

Motor Industry Association Calls for Mandatory Safety Rules for Use of ATVs and Small Utility Vehicles in the Work Place.

David Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association says ‘safe use of small vehicles on farms such as farm bikes, ATV (quad bikes) and side by side vehicles is of paramount importance to manufacturers, distributors, dealerships and their customers’.

New Zealand and Australian coronial inquests into ATV safety have all identified several key interventions that would result in a significant reduction in the rate of serious injuries and fatalities from the use of ATVs in work places. Key among these are:
• Helmets should be compulsory for all riders
• Children under 16 years of age should not be allowed to ride adult size ATVs
• Passengers should be banned from single seat ATVs.

The Motor Industry Association of New Zealand has written to the Minister for Work Place Safety, Hon Iain Lees-Galloway calling on him to mandate in work places compulsory wearing of helmets when using an ATV or side by side utility vehicles, banning the use of full size ATVs by children under the age of 16 and prohibiting passengers from single seat ATVs. The MIA also requests Government consider making it compulsory for seat belts to be used when operating side by side vehicles where these are fitted by the manufacturer.

“Other important safety messages are for users to keep their vehicles well maintained, ensure users are trained in how to properly use them, never exceed the manufacturers guidelines for loading and towing, and select the right vehicle for the job” said Mr Crawford.

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