Quad bike related deaths are the leading cause of death on farms in Queensland. During 2016, ten (10) people lost their life in quad bike related accidents across the country, five (5) (and the majority) of these accidents occurred in Queensland. Sadly, three (3) people so far this year have lost their lives in quad bike related accidents nationwide, including the death of a 7-year-old boy in New South Wales. The youngest person to have died in a quad bike accident in Australia was just 4-years-old.
In a bid to reduce quad bike related accidents, the Queensland Government introduced new laws governing the operation of their use. These new laws came into effect on the 1st February 2017. The laws introduce tough new penalties in a bid to deter reckless operation of their use and raise awareness of the many dangers associated with the operation of quad bikes. The Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (Qld) now reflect the following inclusions:-
- Motorbike helmets
It is now mandatory for operators and their passengers to wear an approved motorbike helmet when riding a quad bike. A fine of $365 will apply to both the operator and his or her passengers for failing to comply with this requirement. The maximum fine for this offence is $2,438.00. Also 3 demerit points may be allocated and recorded on your traffic history for this offence.
The mandatory helmet requirements are provided for in the Guideline for Conditionally Registered Vehicles in Queensland – Form 17 Version 3.5 May 2016.
- Passenger age related restrictions
The new laws apply to drivers and passengers of conditionally registered quad bikes and utility off – road vehicles being used on Queensland roads and road related areas. Remember if you use the vehicle on the road it must registered. In Queensland, a road is an area that is open to the public or used by the public and is developed for driving or riding of motor vehicles.
Most quad bike accidents and quad bike related deaths occur on farms and in rural areas, and as such it may prove challenging for Police Officers to monitor and enforce the new laws.
Only time will tell if these laws increase quad bike safety awareness and ultimately reduce the number of quad bike related accidents and death. In the case of incidents involving workers, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) applies, and employers are at risk of prosecution if they fail to implement appropriate measures to minimise risk of injury.
