Quad bikes are the biggest killer on Australian farms, claiming 230 lives in the last 15 years. In Queensland more than 70 people have lost their lives and thousands more injured while using quad bikes.

Safety tips for quad bikes
Quad bikes are compact, fairly easy to ride and can travel into areas where other vehicles may struggle, but they also have their downside. The high centre of gravity makes them prone to roll over, especially when carrying loads, and collisions with hidden obstacles are common.

Before you, your workers or your family next ride a quad bike, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you are all Ride Ready.

Firstly think about whether a quad bike is the best vehicle to use for the task. Your first reaction might be to jump on a quad bike and go for it, but have you thought about the risks? Think about the terrain, weather conditions and the task requirements. Would a different vehicle such as a side-by-side vehicle be a better option, especially if you need to carry passengers or loads?

Helmets
A helmet is the best protection you can have from a head injury, which happen in one out of every five quad bike incidents. Being prepared for the unexpected makes sense.

Training
Training courses are the best way to learn how to ride a quad bike using an active riding technique. Training will ensure you can recognise and control hazards and risks in varying terrain.

Kids on kid-sized quad bikes
Children under 16 account for 20 per cent of all national quad bike deaths.
Don’t let your kids ride adult bikes as they don’t have the physical strength to handle a quad bike weighing 300 kg or more.

Loads and attachments
You might need to carry something on a quad bike or tow an attachment. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fitting and using quad bike accessories. The more you load up your bike, the more difficult it will be to handle and the more likely it will be to roll on a slope.

Doubling
Never carry passengers on a single-seat quad bike. Quad bikes with one seat are designed to carry one person only and will be a lot more unstable and harder to handle if you attempt to carry an uneven rider weight.

For more rider tips, visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/rideready

For more Quad Biking information and resources on the QORF website, go to: