ATV industry throws brickbat at SFA
The local ATV industry has labelled comments about crush protection devices on four-wheelers by Safe Work Australia boss as irresponsibleThe Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has attacked comments made by Safe Work Australia boss Rex Hoy who has called for the fitment of crush protection devices (CPDs) to ATVs.
“The major ATV manufacturers believe that it is irresponsible for Safe Work Australia to be calling for the fitting of CPDs to ATVs without first obtaining scientific evidence that a CPD will improve safety,” said Cameron Cuthill, the ATV Manager for the FCAI.
“The best current evidence from research with the appropriate MATD crash test dummies shows that the fitment of CPDs to ATVs will cause more harm than it will prevent. Based on this it would be irresponsible of manufacturers to support fitment of these questionable devices.
“The fact is that the CPD / ROPS debate is an unfortunate diversion from immediately pursuing some simple actions that can be taken right now to save lives and minimise injury.”
The ATV manufacturers ask that government bodies and regulators work with us to ensure that all users of this important piece of farm equipment wear helmets, are trained in their proper use and keep children off adult-sized ATVs.
“The undeniable fact is that many deaths and injuries are caused by users ignoring these simple safeguards. The measures that the industry has been campaigning for, and promoting, for many years will have a significant and immediate impact if enforced by the relevant authorities.”
The ATV industry maintains that there are many things which can immediately be done to reduce the current level of injury associated with ATV usage, including:
- Choosing the right vehicle for the task
- Ensuring all users complete an accredited ATV specific training course
- Always wearing an approved helmet
- Never allowing a child under 16 to ride an adult sized ATV
- Never carrying passengers on single seat ATVs
- Not overloading an ATV or use inappropriate attachments
- Never riding an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
ATV manufacturers are calling out to all Government bodies and stakeholder groups to support and enforce these simple and effective measures to improve ATV safety.
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
