A study undertaken by the University of Aberdeen in Scotland has found that two-thirds of Irish and UK farmers don’t wear a helmet when they ride ATVs.

Farmers said they feel foolish wearing them on their own farm or don’t believe they ride fast enough to warrant them.

The report, carried out by Dr Amy Irwin and Jana Mihulkova, found that 63.5% of respondents stated they owned a helmet, but only one-third of the sample reported wearing a helmet frequently or always.

Farmer perceptions

The research pinpointed several underlying factors, ranging from personal perceptions to personal barriers, that stop farm workers wearing a helmet when using an ATV.

The results highlighted the following comments:

  • I do not go fast enough to need head protection in a crash.
  • I feel that helmets are unnecessary for short rides.
  • Helmets are only necessary for children aged 16 and below.
  • As an adult, I feel foolish wearing a helmet just to ride round my property.
  • Wearing a helmet makes me look stupid if no-one else is wearing one.