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Roll bars improve quad bike safety

A recent study has confirmed the efficacy of crush protection devices in preventing ATV accidents.

The was conducted for the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) by Dr Scott Wordley and Dr Bruce Field from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University.

The findings of the initial literature review were reaffirmed in a study completed last month by Dr Wordley.

ISCRR Chief Research Officer Dr Alex Collie said quad-bikes had become the leading cause of death on Australian farms since 2011.

“Quad-bikes accounted for around one-third of fatalities; with children under 14 years and adults over 45 years the most common victims,” Dr Collie said.

 “Around half of all Australian quad-bike fatalities occurred due to roll-over of the bike, which can result in severe chest, head and spinal injuries. The vast majority of these roll-over deaths were also found to occur on farms,” Dr Collie said.

The devices involved in the study including the Quadbar – a padded, hairpin shaped metal hoop which is mounted behind the rider – can be retro-fitted to most bikes. 

The review also found research disputing the effectiveness of crush protection devices relied on flawed methodologies with limitations in the computer simulation methods used.

Dr Collie said further testing and the development of standards for quad-bike crush protection devices are” both clearly required”.

 “In the meantime, appropriately tested crush protection devices should be considered for riders who use quad-bikes at low speeds in the workplace or on farms.”

ISCRR claims the initial review has sparked widespread interest among the public and has significantly contributed to informed public debate on this issue.

A public forum held earlier in October this year has led Employer and Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten to push for mandatory instalments of crush protection devices on quad bikes.

ISCRR is a joint venture between Monash University, WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

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