A unique quad bike crush protection device has been named the Best New Safety Product or Innovation at the recent Tasmanian ag-show, Agfest.
The roll bar is manufactured in New Zealand by Ag-TECH Industries and is a flexible segmented device installed on ATVs or quad bikes that gives the rider maximum crush protection.
Matthew Tiplady from ATV Lifeguard says the device is a world first.
“It’s designed so when the bike rolls over, the impact is absorbed by the ATV Lifeguard. It reduces the actual force of impact by up to 90 per cent,” he says.
Because of that, the rider trapped underneath is given space to breathe and will be able to simply push the bike over or wriggle out safely.
 |
Tiplady says the ATV Lifeguard’s flexible quality gives it an edge over its rigid bar counterparts in the market.
“Whilst it is flexible and is able to support the weight of the bike it can also give if it’s caught beneath a tree branch. It’s flexible both vertically and horizontally.”
Following three years of development, the first ATV Lifeguard was sold in New Zealand 18 months ago and was introduced to the Australian market just earlier this year.
It has been displayed at two Australian agricultural field days so far, namely FarmWorld and Agfest.
Tiplady says response to the device has been nothing but positive.
“People are seeing and realising that it is different. They know the risks involved in using quad bikes and realise that this could be the answer to reducing those risks,” he says.
The device can be fitted on to most ATV and quad bike makes as long as it has a metal carrier.
According to QuadWatch, six people have been killed so far this year as a result of quad bike accidents.
In 2013, the number of fatalities was 21.
Tiplady says while nothing can protect a person 100 per cent, having a device like the ATV Lifeguard significantly reduces the risks of injury or fatality.
“We’ve heard from one farmer in particular who wrote in to say that he wouldn’t still be alive today if it wasn’t for the ATV Lifeguard.”
“We’ve sold hundreds and hundreds of the device so far and have only received positive reviews.”
“The proof is in the pudding.”
Interested customers can find more information or purchase the device on ATV Lifeguard’s website.
The Agfest field days was held in Carrick, Tasmania from May 1 to 3.