Of 64 farmers who lost their lives in machinery accidents between 2008 and 2017, 12 were killed in incidents involving quads, which represents 19% of all farm vehicle fatalities. Seventy-five percent of the victims were aged 60 years or older, according to HSA figures.
Four of these 12 farmers died after becoming trapped under their quad. This was the case of a farmer who died in Co Mayo last year and his inquest inspired proposals for stricter safety legislation on ATVs.
Three farmers were killed in an impact against an object. One example used in a recent HSA presentation was a farmer who hit a pole and died instantly. Two suffered crush injuries and two others struck the ground. One was killed in a crash with another vehicle.
Anti-roll bars
A bill introduced by Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary in May proposes to make anti-roll bars and helmets compulsory on quads. It had not yet come before the Dáil when the Oireachts went into recess last week and may be debated later this year.
While some roll-over protection devices have received the CE European safety mark, the HSA has stated that it "does not have sufficient information at this time to form a view on the effectiveness of these novel designs and thus is not issuing an instruction or recommendation in respect of such devices". In particular, there is a risk that the driver could be struck by the anti-roll bar in the absence of a safety belt on most quads, the HSA has warned.
Instead, prioirity should be to:
get training on quad operation;wear safety gear such as gloves, safety boots and head protection;control speed;plan and check routes, especially on steep slopes.
Of 64 farmers who lost their lives in machinery accidents between 2008 and 2017, 12 were killed in incidents involving quads, which represents 19% of all farm vehicle fatalities. Seventy-five percent of the victims were aged 60 years or older, according to HSA figures.
Four of these 12 farmers died after becoming trapped under their quad. This was the case of a farmer who died in Co Mayo last year and his inquest inspired proposals for stricter safety legislation on ATVs.
Three farmers were killed in an impact against an object. One example used in a recent HSA presentation was a farmer who hit a pole and died instantly. Two suffered crush injuries and two others struck the ground. One was killed in a crash with another vehicle.
Anti-roll bars
A bill introduced by Fianna Fáil deputy leader Dara Calleary in May proposes to make anti-roll bars and helmets compulsory on quads. It had not yet come before the Dáil when the Oireachts went into recess last week and may be debated later this year.
While some roll-over protection devices have received the CE European safety mark, the HSA has stated that it "does not have sufficient information at this time to form a view on the effectiveness of these novel designs and thus is not issuing an instruction or recommendation in respect of such devices". In particular, there is a risk that the driver could be struck by the anti-roll bar in the absence of a safety belt on most quads, the HSA has warned.
Instead, prioirity should be to:
get training on quad operation;wear safety gear such as gloves, safety boots and head protection;control speed;plan and check routes, especially on steep slopes. 
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