FARM families have been asked not to let their guard down in relation to the dangers of quad bikes – and especially so as regards children

Galway IFA Farm Families and Social Affairs Representative, Teresa Roche, told the Farming Tribune that too many families across the country have had to endure the loss of loved ones due to quad bike accidents over the past decade or so.

According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) there have been 11 quad deaths on Irish farms between 2012 and 2021 – with an additional fatality occurring during 2022.

Teresa Roche said that a lot of the data in relation to quad injuries was not collected with the injury figure like to be far higher than any official statistics.

“There are certain basic pieces of advice that farm families should adhere to in relation to the use of quad bikes.

“Proper helmets should be worn at all times; all quads should be fitted with roll bars; and quads should not be driven by children under 16-years of age,” said Teresa Roche.

She said that in the past, it had been difficult enough to source parts and accessories – such as helmets – for quads, but this situation now had improved with a business-like ATV Parts in Abbey, Loughrea, now carrying a full range of components.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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