Media Release

11 November 2013

MIA Welcomes the Coroner’s Findings into Quad Bike Safety

Manufacturers and distributors of quad bikes today welcomed the recommendations made by Coroner Shortland into quad bike safety, says David Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association.

The New Zealand distributors agree the term ATV (all terrain vehicle) should no longer be used to describe this genre of bike. Following consultation with the Coroner earlier in the year, industry had already begun to refer to these vehicles as quad bikes to reflect they cannot be used on any terrain, says Mr Crawford.

The Motor Industry Association has consistently advocated quad bikes should be well maintained, users should wear the appropriate safety equipment including a helmet, they should ensure they understand how to ride these vehicles and that training in their use is essential. The Coroner endorsed these fundamental basic safety messages.

Mr Crawford said “Industry accepts use of roll over protection systems remains a talking point. Quads are designed for active riding, fitting quads with equipment that may impede a rider’s ability to disengage from it if something goes wrong remains a concerns to distributors. The choice of whether a quad is fitted with roll over protection systems should lie with the owner of the quad bike taking into account their personal preferences.

The MIA continues to encourage farmers to think carefully about choosing the right tool for the job. For some farm uses the quad bike is probably not best choice. Using quad bikes to tow heavy trailers or overloading quad bikes with lots of bulky aftermarket equipment can lead to disastrous consequences.

Mr Crawford said, if used within the manufacturer’s recommendations, quad bikes remains a safe and convenient way to undertake many jobs on a farm.

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