Information released by the Department of Labour reveals 44 people were killed in quad-bike accidents on farms between 2000 and 2009 and there have been three deaths this year - all occurring in Northland.
Last week, the department, Federated Farmers, the Agricultural Health and Safety Council and FarmSafe all threw their weight behind a campaign aimed at reducing quad-bike accidents by promoting four safety steps.
Federated Farmers described quad bikes as a farmer's Swiss army knife.
Its vice-president, Donald Aubrey, said in addition to the safety programme, the organisation was also looking for new initiatives such as raising the profile of personal locator beacons for farmers working in remote locations and trialling roll-over warning systems attached to the machines.
Information released by the department showed 40% of people in quad-bike accidents suffered some type of head injury, which could be reduced by wearing a helmet, as bike manufacturers recommend.
Research also showed that riders who had not had any training, or were inexperienced, suffered more severe injuries from accidents.
Children generally did not have the strength, weight or mental ability to master the riding techniques, and from 2000 to 2008, five children aged under 16 were killed on quad bikes.
The department's data shows 7% of serious accidents involved bikes carrying passengers and 10% involved towing, leading to the recommendation farmers choose a suitable vehicle for the intended job.
Quad-bike safety steps
- Wear a helmet.
- Ensure riders are trained or experienced.
- Don't let children ride adult-size quad bikes (over 90cc.)
- Choose the right vehicle for the job by paying attention to the manufacturer's manual on carrying passengers and maximum towing and carrying limits.
Source: Department of Labour.