FMG News
Staying on track on your ATV
Going about your daily on-farm tasks will almost certainly involve your quad bike; but because you ride it so often, you may forget to take a safe approach each time you grab the keys. It pays to know the "dos and don'ts" when it comes to riding quad bikes - following industry recommendations will help you to stay on track.
Accidents on quad bikes are often caused by seemingly insignificant errors that each of us can make every day. The Department of Labour lists the following as the most common causes of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accidents:
- Riding too fast for the weather and terrain conditions.
- Turning too sharply.
- Placing loads unevenly; overloading and carrying loads on slopes.
- Speed.
- Losing concentration, complacency and over-confidence.
- Misjudging the limitations of the ATV.
- Lack of rider skill and experience.
- Lack of maintenance and the use of incorrect tyres.
All of these common errors can and do lead to accidents. We know, because over the last four years we've paid out over two million dollars in claims for damage to farm bikes whilst in use. Making the trek back to your home, removing the damaged bike and borrowing a bike from a neighbour can cost you precious time ... and money.
Hitting more than your pocket
It's not just the financial cost or the inconvenience of being without your most vital farm vehicle that will affect your farming operation. The risk of death is very real. FarmSafe reports that 20% of the agricultural deaths during 2007/08 were due to ATV accidents - mostly due to rolling on steep terrain.
How you can avoid the same loss
Over 700 of FMG's clients have suffered a loss to their farm bike over the last four years. While we can't prevent these accidents from happening, FMG can conduct a free risk assessment of your property which will help you to identify the areas of your business that are more susceptible to loss. As part of the assessment, we can make recommendations on how you can reduce the risk, such as you and/or your workers attending one of FarmSafe's workshops on riding ATVs and using farm equipment. We also aim to provide you with the latest tips published by the Department of Labour and FarmSafe, which can help you avoid the hassle and cost of an ATV accident.
- Maintain access ways and tracks.
- Mow (or avoid riding across) long grass, which can hide drop-offs, sheep tracks and other sudden changes in terrain.
- Ride to the conditions - reduce your speed to an appropriate level.
- Ride within the limits of your own abilities.
- Ensure your ATVs are regularly maintained and serviced.
- Understand the effects of adding implements, trailers and mounted loads to your ATV.
- Take an ATV driver training course.
- Avoid steep terrain where possible - understand what the limitations are for different terrain.
- Always wear appropriate footwear, clothing and eyewear as well as a helmet.
- Remember ATVs are not designed to carry passengers.
Make sure you have sufficient insurance cover
Talk to FMG about the cover you'll need for:
- Accidental loss to your farm bike.
- The replacement of your farm bike if it becomes a total loss within one year from the date you purchased it new in New Zealand.
- Liability cover for accidental loss to the property of others, or bodily injury to others.
- Accidental breakage to glass in the head lamps.
- Replacement of your keys.
- The reasonable costs you incur to remove your damaged farm bike to the nearest safe place.
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