Free ATV lid offer

Australia's top ATV/SSV brands have teamed up to help encourage helmet use in ATV/SSV users – by giving away a free ATV/SSV helmet with every new ATV or SSV sold during the month of September.

The promotion was launched recently at the Queensland Beef Expo in Toowoomba (Qld) by Dr John McVeigh, Federal member for the seat of Groom (pictured, right, with Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries ATV Manager, Mark Collins).

Research has shown that wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce ATV/SSV-related deaths and serious injuries, yet the proportion of users who wear a helmet – particularly among farmers – remains low.

While many farmers cite helmets as being too heavy, hot or cumbersome to wear when working on the land, the Shark ATV/SSV helmet being given away in the promotion has been specifically designed to address those concerns, while still meeting full ECE 22.05 compliance.

With a lightweight composite fibre shell construction, excellent ventilation, a quick-release buckle and ear pods which permit full hearing, the Shark ATV/SSV helmet is road legal and can be used on motorcycles, while it can also be optioned up with sun, insect and dust protection.

Retailing for $249.95, the helmet is free to anyone who buys a new Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha or BRP utility ATV/SSV during September.

The Chief Executive of the FCAI, Tony Weber, said the promotion underlined the industry's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of their customers.

"As recently as last week we heard from the Tasmanian Coroner of the potentially lifesaving importance of wearing a helmet while riding your ATV or SSV," he said.

"All the best expert advice tells us how important this is, so the industry has stepped up and invested tens of thousands of dollars in this promotion to make more Australians farm safe.

"The research tells us that 30 per cent of fatally injured riders would have survived if they had been wearing a helmet. So if we as an industry can provide a helmet that is cooler, lighter and more comfortable to wear, then hopefully more people will wear them and lives will be saved."

Mr Weber stressed the other major factors that figure heavily in ATV/SSV accident statistics, including children riding adult vehicles, people riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and riders taking passengers on single-seat vehicles.

Mr Weber urged ATV/SSV riders to enroll in an accredited rider training program or to take the free online e-learning test at www.atvsafety.snaplearn.com.au.

Click here to read the Bikesales review of the Shark ATV/SSV helmet.