FCAI reinforces ATV safety protocols

Australia’s peak body for the automotive industry, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and its members, comprising the leading ATV distributors, have again called for responsible use of ATVs in the wake of research showing the high economic and personal cost of fatal ATV crashes.

According to the ATV industry, the best way to make ATV use safer is to raise the awareness of riders that a combination of factors will improve the safe use of the four-wheelers, such as appropriate training, wearing a helmet, not carrying more than the prescribed number of passengers, not allowing children on adult size ATVs, using the appropriate vehicle for the task, and not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The ATV industry is continuing to raise awareness of these safety interventions at the point of sale with ATV buyers.

According to the FCAI, research conducted by Dynamic Research Inc. (DRI), an internationally recognised firm specialising in applied research in the areas of vehicle dynamics and controls, simulator technology and accident investigation, confirmed that Rollover Protection Systems (ROPS) and Crush Protective Devices (CPDs) on ATVs can cause unacceptably high levels of harm in comparison to their benefits.

Tony Weber, FCAI Chief Executive, said “The DRI research is the best available research in the world. It is research using state-of-the-art technology and is based upon published research and relevant (sections) of international research standards, as expected of a quality report. It confirms that rollover devices, and in particular so-called ‘crush protection devices’, should not be fitted to ATVs.”

“The FCAI and its members are focused on improving safety.  We focus our advice on quality research.  We reject the outrageous assertions made by Dr Tony Lower including that we “continue to roll out dubious information”.  If there is quality research to the contrary, please bring this to our attention immediately.”

The ATV industry is currently actively involved in the University of New South Wales research investigating the crash worthiness of ATVs and has offered the loan of a state-of-the-art, motor-cycle-specific injury-monitoring crash test dummy to assist the research group in ensuring that crashworthiness results are directly related to rider injury outcomes.

The FCAI is keen to see the UNSW undertake a robust research program so that the knowledge frontier can be moved forward in respect to ATV use.

“ATVs are not toys and should not be treated as such,” said Mr Weber.  “Unfortunately, while the focus remains on rollover devices, real solutions will continue to be ignored.  Attention should instead be maintained on responsible ATV use, wearing helmets and training.”