UPPER Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has welcomed the Australian Government's introduction of new safety standards for quad bikes.
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Tragically, people are still dying in accidents that could be prevented with the right safety equipment, training and with more regard to the dangers involved with these powerful vehicles.
New commonwealth standards will ensure that within 12 months, all new quad bikes will be required to:
* Have a warning label alerting riders to the risk of roll over;
* Meet US or European standards (performance of components like brakes, suspension, throttle and clutch); and
* Test for stability and display the result on a hang tag attached to the bike at point of sale.
Within 24 months, all new general use model (utility) quad bikes will be required to:
* Be fitted with, or have integrated into the design an operator protection device (rollbar); and
* Meet minimum stability requirements.
The NSW Government has also introduced a number of initiatives to protect people from the dangers associated with quad bikes.
"Earlier this year, we streamlined rebates to further assist drought-stricken farmers to claim their $2000 rebate from the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program as one payment and at the point of sale," Mr Johnsen said.
"The initiative gives eligible applicants access to:
"Up to $1000 for the purchase of an agricultural side by side vehicle (SSV);
"Up to $500 for the purchase of each Quadbar Operator Protective Device (OPD) or ATV Lifeguard OPD;
"Up to $90 for the purchase of each helmet compliant with appropriate standards; and
"Free quad bike training days, with an option of onsite training for groups of six or more.
"A $500 rebate for drones is also available in this program as an alternative to quad bikes to improve safety especially as a tool to check stock, fences, dams and to monitor weed growth.
"It's the most comprehensive in the country and has delivered more than $2 million in rebates to farmers, who in turn have invested $28 million in improving safety."
For further information on the Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 10 50.