The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has become the latest in a series of regulatory bodies to propose major changes to improve the safety of quad bikes, saying the death and injury toll is too high.
Changes that were proposed included the introduction of a star safety ratings system, crush protection devices and mandatory minimum performance standards.
"The ACCC believes a mandatory safety standard incorporating all of these elements is the best option to save lives and make quad bikes safer for everyone," ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh said in a statement.
"The ACCC is proposing a mandatory safety standard that adopts the US Standard and requires an additional rollover warning label, introduces a safety star rating system so safer vehicles get a higher rating and it requires manufacturers to integrate an operator protection device, such as a crush protection device or roll over protection device in the design of new quad bikes."
Quad bike death toll soars
Quad bikes, also known as all-terrain vehicles, are the leading cause of death and injury on Australian farms, resulting in an average of 16 deaths per year nationally, totalling over 114 deaths since 2011, according to SafeWork NSW.
Around six people per day attend a hospital emergency department as a result of the bikes, with an average of two of these victims requiring hospitalisation for serious injuries.
Safety improvements recommended by multiple authorities
The New South Wales government has also previously called on the Commonwealth to introduce a five-star rating system following a 2015 coronial investigation into a string of fatal quad bike accidents in NSW rural areas between 2009 and 2014.
In her findings, deputy state coroner Sharon Freund also recommended the implementation of a safety ratings system, as well as mandatory licences, seatbelts and helmets and the banning of riders under the age of 16.
A 2014 inquest in Queensland also recommended banning children under the age of 16 from riding the vehicles.
In 2017, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and the Rural Doctors Association issued a joint statement calling for a five-star safety ratings system.
"Although they don't always look like it, they [quad bikes] are an essential, but can be a very dangerous, piece of farm equipment," NFF president Fiona Simson said at the time.
"A five-star safety system would actually help farmers make informed decisions about the machines as they purchased them."
Stakeholders consulted
A variety of stakeholders have been consulted in making the initial recommendation, ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh said, and they are currently receiving further submissions for proposed changes.
"The ACCC has considered a range of evidence and views in making this draft recommendation," Mr Keogh said.
"We have consulted with industry representatives, quad bike manufacturers and retailers, farmers, consumers, academics, hospitals, health professionals, tourism operators, among many others."
Mr Keogh said that manufacturers have been less receptive to proposed changes than farmers.
"Farmers have been generally supportive of the need to make quad bikes safer but the manufacturers have not been in favour of any changes to the rules or the bikes," Mr Keogh said.
The quad bike industry has previously addressed some of the safety issues, with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry introducing a special helmet design to encourage farmers to wear helmets.
All-terrain vehicle manufacturers are among those who are able to make submissions to the ACCC's proposal before the final recommendations are made.
"I encourage stakeholders to consider the proposed options to improve the safety of quad bikes and make their submission by 4 May 2018," Mr Keogh said.
Following these submissions, the ACCC will make a final recommendation to the Government mid-year.
