OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[age]

why why why dose this our only mag we have in australia go ahead and publish photos of quad riders riding without HELMETS on i refer to the artical the whites of their eyes arfter a run in with the boys in blue he told me that quads are stupid pices of s@#t that people kill them selfs on he would say this he is one of australias bets eva enduro two wheel riders and we all know that they dont all like us quads to much. but arfter a heaterd descusion with him i went home and did some reserch only to find it hard to find seriouse injuries or death on quads with riders that are whereing full protective gear (HELMET)but i did find deaths involving quads on plenty of farms many of wich no HELMET was being worn and many where the person on the back of a quad not the driver so maybe this is why or governmet wont let us rec rego them because they see people riding with no HELMENT on good one atv action promote safety well dont you
_________________
07 bansheeeeeeeee see you in my roost

[bigjon]

Totally agree. I know Dirt Wheels will NOT publish any pics of a rider with no helmet. I realise none of those pics were 'action' shots, but never the less it should be compulsory to wear a helmet in all there riding pics.

Email Bazz the editor.
billyboybazz@aapt.net.au

P.S. When you email him try to use full stops and spell check

[yogie]

age wrote:

why why why dose this our only mag we have in australia go ahead and publish photos of quad riders riding without HELMETS

yes it is a worry, hope it stops, why not put on one of those Yanky type open face helmet that the 4x4by riders wear, cant they keep a few in the camera carry case
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[Quad]

have not got one yet , can i ask the price of the mag please.

[yogie]

quad wrote:

have not got one yet , can i ask the price of the mag please.

$7 0r $10 with a "free" DVD
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[47industries]

O-oh, here we go again!
Mick@47
_________________
The way to this man's heart is through his esky

[Ozpilot]

You guys must be shoping at the wrong places. I recently bought a great DVD for $10 (top value!!!) and got a FREE mag. I was stoked!

[Bazz]

I didn’t take that shot, our contributor Norm Maher took it. The woman on the quad is typical of many people in the hottest parts of Australia who won’t wear helmets because no-one has yet designed a helmet you can wear during summer in the hottest parts of Australia.

[gothev8]

Bazz wrote:

I didn’t take that shot, our contributor Norm Maher took it. The woman on the quad is typical of many people in the hottest parts of Australia who won’t wear helmets because no-one has yet designed a helmet you can wear during summer in the hottest parts of Australia.

I believe the comment made was pointing out that maybe you should consider a policy similar to Dirt Wheels, for the benifit of the sport maybe?

Consider this article?
ETHICS AND ATV's
The truth about most ATV accidents

Recently a popular consumer magazine published a feature on the alleged dangers of ATVs. The article acknowledged that riding two-up or without protective clothing is dangerous, but went on to suggest that ATVs are responsible for a range of evils. Much of the story was compiled from WorkSafe Victoria records and the National Coroners Information System (NCIS) data base. It included the emotive tale of 39 year-old ATV rider and his seven-year old son who gained notoriety when they crashed while riding their Kawasaki KFX400 on Crown Land near their home on the NSW South Coast. The implication seemed to be that the two were victims of a dangerous machine.

They weren't. Neither had been wearing helmets and both were on the same machine, a practice that ATV makers go red in the face trying to discourage. Later, in a well known women's magazine, the young boys mother said she was relieved that her small daughter had not been on the ATV.

The same article also mentioned the tragic death of a 56 year-old farmer and her three year-old grandson who were killed when "the machine reversed and crushed them both between the bike and a stationary trailer." In fact, the 1989 Yamaha YFM350 in question was later examined by a qualified technician and found to be in a chronic state of disrepair, a regrettable fact in many accidents involving farm ATVs. Only 10% of the brake shoe material remained. The vehicle was judged incapable of stopping within the required distance, even at 8kph. Like many ATVs, the Yamaha had a safety 'lockout' that prevents the engine being started in gear unless the footbrake is engaged, but on this one the reverse lock release cable was so rusted it had seized.

Also highlighted in this story was the case of a 16 year-old farmer's son killed in an ATV accident. "The boy was riding with a friend on his quad-bike when it tipped over," said the writer. "The handlebars of the machine punctured the boy's groin and he bled to death." That was true. What was not mentioned was that the boy was not 16 but 15 and therefore below the age recommended for safe ATV operation. He was carrying a pillion passenger, had no helmet, and he had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.

IT GETS WORSE
The NCIS data base says there were 52 quad-bike related deaths between 1 July 2000 and 1 April 2004, but as Honda's national ATV product manager Rod Day points out, even those figures are rubbery.

"Of the 52 deaths linked to ATVs, five cases had nothing to do with an ATV, while negligence or stupidity seem to have been contributing factors in the others," he said. "In 44 cases, no helmets were worn. In 11 cases there was excessive speed. In one case a bull knocked a farmer off an ATV and then crushed him. In nine cases the vehicle was carrying a pillion. In five cases the ATV was overloaded."

Basically, in all the cases reported there was blatant disregard for the manufacturers' recommendations on safe ATV operation. "In all honesty," says Day, "I'm yet to be advised of one example where a trained ATV operator wearing appropriate safety gear and operating the vehicle properly has been killed. If things are done correctly the risks are dramatically reduced."

What we have here are not dangerous machines but a dangerously careless attitude toward them, and that attitude is endemic in our rural communities. Farmers are notorious for riding without protective gear, at high speed, even around stock. They're also notorious for refusing any sort of ATV training from organisations like TAFE or the HART school run by Honda. In all likelihood, you could count on one hand the number of farmers with a Statement of Attainment in ATV operation. What's more, every rural ATV dealer has horror stories of the widespread disregard or even disdain for maintenance.

You can't force farmers into ATV school, or to wear helmets, and you can't stop reckless people endangering themselves and others. You can only hope they see the light and are attracted to it. Soon.

- Barry Ashenhurst
_________________
2012 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
2009 Polaris RZR 170

[Linc]

Bazz wrote:

I didn’t take that shot, our contributor Norm Maher took it. The woman on the quad is typical of many people in the hottest parts of Australia who won’t wear helmets because no-one has yet designed a helmet you can wear during summer in the hottest parts of Australia.

So what that you didn't take the shot; your the editor aren't ya. Take some responsibility for what appears in your magazine. You are promoting irresponsible riding practices that is proven to greatly increase your chance of DEATH while using an ATV. Not only that, your comments seem to suggest that you wont be changing your policy.

The helmet in summer excuse is just stupid; if a bike rider didn't ware a helmet would you say the same thing?...........of course not. Its all about attitude; take the initiative and do your part for the ATV community and try to change the attitudes of some riders out there...........Here's an idea, do a test on helmets, concentrate on air flow, weight and cooling.

I know this is a bit negative but I would like to say I do like the magazine, I buy every issue........and $2 for a DVD is a bargain. Thanks

Linc

[age]

Bazz wrote:

I didn’t take that shot, our contributor Norm Maher took it. The woman on the quad is typical of many people in the hottest parts of Australia who won’t wear helmets because no-one has yet designed a helmet you can wear during summer in the hottest parts of Australia.

to hot to where helmets or to lazy i come from a farm it regualy will reach 40+on it do i jump on my bike and ride with no helmet on yes but i dont take photos of it and put it in a magazine that was the point we cant rogo our quads because they say there to dangerous of course they are when i dont have my helmet on. and what about the photo of the farmer on the back with his wife driving whats his excuse when i take the miss on the back i make her where my helmet if we do come off she is going to be the one hiting the ground firts atleast she will have some protection this is what i was trying to get at
_________________
07 bansheeeeeeeee see you in my roost

[yogie]

this a thread on the other forum about a quad rollover, no helmets.

http://www.dirtbikeworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=48701&highlight=pigdog
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[Barney]

Just as a matter of interest , there is a specifically designed helmut for quads and farm use , it has been developed for good vision and comfort , it is an open face low cut so as noise or general sight is not restricted , check it out if you care to.

Secondly if we all want to get on the bandwagon , safety was a paramount importance at the recent thumb pump 300 , and i can assure you that a boundary rider or outer marshall was riding 2 up for most of the time, as i had witnessed it with my own eyes, i am sure that this was a pillion passenger for a long time , i may be corrected , but what were 2 people doing on the one quad at such an event ?





Media ReleaseState Government of Victoria Logo - link to Victorian Government Home

FROM THE MINISTER FOR WORKCOVER

DATE: Monday, August 11, 2003


HULLS: KIWI HELMET COULD HELP SAVE COCKIES

Wellington, NZ – Victorian WorkCover Minister Rob Hulls today inspected a New Zealand-made helmet that could be a lifesaver across the Tasman.

The helmet, which was developed in New Zealand, is said to be of particular value to farmers using All Terrain Vehicles, which claimed four Victorian lives last year.

“Since 1997, there have been 12 fatalities in Victoria related to the operation of ATV’s on farms,� Mr Hulls said.

“It’s vital that we find a helmet that will be worn by farmers, because that will save lives.

“Farmers were often reluctant to wear safety helmets because they are hot and inconvenient to wear while doing farm work.

“While more user friendly helmets are only part of the answer to improved ATV safety, they could greatly reduce the risk of head injuries.

“WorkSafe has been working with its New Zealand counterparts and the Australian representatives of ATV suppliers towards having a Standard adopted here for an ATV helmet,� he said.

A Standard was developed and adopted in New Zealand last August.

“An application for the Standard to be adopted in Australia was made in January. The evaluation process is now underway and could be decided by the end of the year,� Mr Hulls said.

The Victorian Coroner is currently investigating a number of fatalities involving ATVs. The hearings are expected to resume next month.

Mr Hulls said that, to be safe on ATVs, riders should:

· Observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions;
· Be trained to ride and work safely with ATVs and understand the limitations of their use (some manufacturers
produce training videos);
· Not be aged under 16, as ATVs require active movement for steering;
· Not dink passengers, as ATVs are designed for one person; and
· Always wear a helmet.

And this link

http://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/decisions/coronial_findings/t/481_of_2004

Any vehicle being a tractor car truck motorbike , nail gun , angle grinder drill , has the potential to injure or kill ,it is not always the fault of the equipment , and or the operator all accidents should be assesed and full facts stated before judgement is made
_________________
2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[Barney]

Another interesting link to any person interested

http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/HCC/05-082.pdf
_________________
2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[Barney]

And another

http://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/decisions/coronial_findings/c/482_of_2004
_________________
2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[Barney]

The man, 76, was found on Saturday during a search by SES volunteers on a property on the Beechworth-Wangaratta road near Everton.

Although the joint Victoria Police–WorkSafe investigation is at an early stage, it appears the man lost control of the bike while travelling along a narrow farm track near the edge of an embankment.

WorkSafe ’s Executive Director John Merritt said that wearing a helmet could greatly reduce, injuries caused by impact with the ground or other objects, or crushing.

“We know helmets work, on-road or off. Farming is tough enough without putting yourself, or someone else, at risk of a permanent head injury, or worse.�

“all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) are a common and useful piece of farm equipment but great care is needed when using them.�

“Understanding the limitations of the machine and yourself, wearing a helmet and following the manufacturer’s instructions can be a life-saving decision.

“For farmers, who frequently work on their own, the dangers are magnified�, Merritt said.

A study carried out last year by the Victorian FarmSafe Alliance found nearly 75% of farmers who took part in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) helmet trial felt safer wearing a helmet, and would recommend it to others.

The Alliance, which includes WorkSafe, the Departments of Primary Industry and Human Services, the Australian Workers Union and Victorian Farmers Federation gave helmets to 100 farmers and sought their views.

More than half thought the model trialled was cool to wear while less than a quarter thought it was too hot.

Three-in-five thought the helmet was comfortable while nearly 70% said it was easy to fit.

Merrit said, “This study, although small, shows that there are suitable models on the market, and that people should be encouraged to find one that suits them�

Merritt said employers should ensure anyone using a motorbike or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) understands they must wear a helmet. That information should be recorded, and acknowledged, as part of a person’s training.

WorkSafe’s farm safety publication, including one on all-terrain vehicle (ATV), can be obtained online at WorkSafe website.
4-Sep-2007

Now i will leave this alone
_________________
2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[bullet]

Grizzly wrote:

Secondly if we all want to get on the bandwagon , safety was a paramount importance at the recent thumb pump 300 , and i can assure you that a boundary rider or outer marshall was riding 2 up for most of the time, as i had witnessed it with my own eyes, i am sure that this was a pillion passenger for a long time , i may be corrected , but what were 2 people doing on the one quad at such an event ?

Polaris, Can-Am and maybe others make specifically designed 2 seater quads. Was it one of these? I can't remember seeing 2 people on a quad, not even on the 2 seater quad that I saw.
I'm sure most manufacturers will make 2 seater quads into the future.

I have also seen quads used to transport injured riders and a fisherman once, 2-up to safety. At the time I thought these were appropriate use of what was available.

A mate of mine was arrested for wearing a helmet while driving a car on the road. It is against the law to do so.

Just for some perspective, If 12 people have died in non helmet ATV accidents since 1997, would that be about the same as Bee Stings, Lightening Strikes, Shark Attacks and using the bathroom?
I guess it depends how many people spend how many hours riding quads.
And how do the figures compare to motorcycles?

Then who cares, The answer is it's just always right to wear a helmet on you ATV.
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[Barney]

Hi Bullet

The quad in question was not a 2 seater , and yes there were two people on it , further to your reply , i thinbk just about everyone has been guilty of riding two up on a quad at some stage , and although not right , we all do it.

factor is it is not the gun that is dangerous , but the idiot with it in his hand , a simple ball point pen is dangerous if you want to poke someone in the eye , a car , a pocket knife , the list goes on

Tha answer is as stated , that you and many others have said , Helmuts must be worn at all times and everyone should promote the wearing of such.
_________________
2012 Can am Outlander Xt 1000cc
Can Am Full set of Armour ,Grip and thumb warmer
Fox Podium Shocks and springs front and back
GME Tx 4600 UHF with Helmet Mic
Hema Gps

[yogie]

Grizzly wrote:

Hi Bullet The quad in question was not a 2 seater , and yes there were two people on it , further to your reply , i thinbk just about everyone has been guilty of riding two up on a quad at some stage , and although not right , we all do it. factor is it is not the gun that is dangerous , but the idiot with it in his hand , a simple ball point pen is dangerous if you want to poke someone in the eye , a car , a pocket knife , the list goes on Tha answer is as stated , that you and many others have said , Helmuts must be worn at all times and everyone should promote the wearing of such.

bullet wrote:

Polaris, Can-Am and maybe others make specifically designed 2 seater quads. Was it one of these? I can't remember seeing 2 people on a quad, not even on the 2 seater quad that I saw. I'm sure most manufacturers will make 2 seater quads into the future. I have also seen quads used to transport injured riders and a fisherman once, 2-up to safety. At the time I thought these were appropriate use of what was available. A mate of mine was arrested for wearing a helmet while driving a car on the road. It is against the law to do so. Just for some perspective, If 12 people have died in non helmet ATV accidents since 1997, would that be about the same as Bee Stings, Lightening Strikes, Shark Attacks and using the bathroom? I guess it depends how many people spend how many hours riding quads. And how do the figures compare to motorcycles? Then who cares, The answer is it's just always right to wear a helmet on you ATV.

I feel these posts sum up the whole healthy debate here, BUT how many regular or seasoned quad riders do WE know that have had rather serios offie's ?? not to many I feel, yes sure we do come off now and again but how many here have had a big one on this forum ??? and I will ask that we not include the racers here (but I will come back to them shortly), because of the nature of their sport, Well I cant remember any trailrider here in the last 12 months, and I think because we know the dangers of the sport, but does a farmer say I'm going to go for a quad ride today and while I'm at it, I'll round up a few cows ? DOes a sprayer look at his quad as a play thing or a tool ?, the point I'm trying to make here is, a quad to these guys is like a pair of plyers to a sparky, and it comes down to duty of care to our selves and those around us. and those pics in the mag of the shooters were just that professional shooters, would they leave a loaded gun lying around, would they leave the saftys off, I doubt it very much, but a quads are dangerous if not respected...
And when it comes to racers, these blokes/gals go out on the track and do a job, a bloody hard one too. They treat their bikes and their bodies with the utmost respect because they want to win number one, but just as importantly they want to finish in one piece. Yeah sure there are few times when these blokes hurt them selves rather seriosly but they know the risks and they allow for these in regards to safty gear, and MA...

So when I read about another worker hurting himself or at worst killing him self at work on a quad, I feel for the guys family but he should have known better, the link I posted up from DBW involved a couple of two wheel riders who every time they throw a leg over the bike suit up with all the gear and would never ride a hundred yards with out a helmet, but they didnt respect that quads can get up to real fast speeds (duh) and payed a very heavy price for it, I got into a rather heated argument over there with one chap and he felt that these death traps should be banned except for just farmers ????????????????? I pointed out the couple in question were just that ????? they just dont get it but the only way to teach these people is by setting egample.

On a pesonal note, I have moved my bike with out a helmet, I have been towed out of bog hole by un helmeted rider, "only moving a few feet" and no doubt will do it forever, but would I let those pics be published in a national/international mag, no way. Anther egample is a rider here (and I'm not taking the piss here, just relaying a story on how it all can go wrong so quickly) was talkiing to another irder, both had the same model quads, but one had a few mods done to it, so the question comes up, Can I take it for a spin, yeah no worries second chap says. Now the first rider has done over 16000 kay's on his quad, so he knows how to ride the thing, but hit a puddle at the wrong angle, the tyres were not the best and next minute he's flat on his arse, the only major damage was to his ego plus a few bent bits and peices, but he had a helmet on and how many times have been talking to for egample 2 wheelers and comparing rides, go on mate take it for a spin, they do it with out a helmet ? becuase I feel they dont honestly think that they can come off it because its only a quad. and we as regular quad rider have many time come so close to the big one, but got away with it...

sorry for the waffle...
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[priesty]

Well said Yogie, I like a good waffle in the morning.
_________________
The term "Foolproof" seriously underestimates the ingenuity of Fools.


08 700xx

[Bazz]

I'm impressed that someone went to the trouble of typing out a story of mine to post on this site. If nothing else, that story proves that I've done my bit for ATV safety, whether or not anyone cared to listen.

But I'm not getting into an argument I can't win. Just let me say this. Someone said my comment on a northern reluctance to wear helmets 'is bullshit'. Sorry mate, it ain't.

In Queensland it's not compulsory to wear a helmet if you're riding on private property. What's more, many familiar with occupational health and safety laws up north believe that's the case because the responsible government department is unwilling to enforce that kind of all-encompassing legislation. Why? Because they don't want rural workers having heat-stroke related accidents because they were wearing a helmet.

Make of that what ever you like. I'm just telling you what my contacts tell me.

[The Two Stroke Smoker]

Well said Bazz
_________________
YFZ450

And the longest hours I've had in my life
Were the ones I went through to know I was right
So I'm safe but I'm a little outside
I'm gonna laugh when I'm buried alive

[bullet]

I think I have seen published photos of Smitty racing (with a helmet on his head) but racing with his pants half off and his arce hanging out...
How come he did not get in so much trouble???
His brain was very clearly not at all protected !
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[OZ_450]

hey bazz make sure you dont publish photos of people riding in illegal areas like people are posting in the state areas of forum it goes to show cvertain users are biased when it comes to this subject

i agree about the no helmet thing as helmets should be worn but also trying to get rec rego and people put photos up of areas we are not to ride in and rec rego on quads before anyone starts in victoria is for tractors and up to a certain distants from that person farm so maybe certain people want to think about there own pics before flaming others
_________________
black covered in 5.7 powered oversize quad
model vx ss 350 hahaha
enough bass to compensate for lack of skills
Empty Wallet Racing proudly on track for GM Motorsport

[yogie]

OZ_450 wrote:

hey bazz make sure you dont publish photos of people riding in illegal areas like people are posting in the state areas of forum it goes to show cvertain users are biased when it comes to this subject i agree about the no helmet thing as helmets should be worn but also trying to get rec rego and people put photos up of areas we are not to ride in and rec rego on quads before anyone starts in victoria is for tractors and up to a certain distants from that person farm so maybe certain people want to think about there own pics before flaming others

and what pics are sent into the mag from Victoria ??? I'll tell you brad, non that I know and ride with , I can assure you here and now, my photos i take are not for any publication except here. So you wont have to see them there but maybe you have raised a good point that we scrutinise the pics sent in from other states, and make sure its just track work and stockton ??? and as for the rego I AM totaly legal, I can assure you here and now that there are quite a few riders here that have also seen my reg checked out and been sent on our way with the police's total blessing. and it is NOT FARM REGO, check it out for your self.

And Brad no one has canned the mag, we all think its great and we need it more than we need this forum but somebody raised the point, which is fair enough I feel, how many race laps would a person bealowed to do with out a helmet 1, 2, 5 ??? and then would those pics be published in state club newsletters ??? I know the answer already NONE!!!!! Dont have a crack at trail riders its our dollars that keep all the big manufacters going so you can have next years next race model, whats the biggest seller out side of the honda400 for the farmers, thats other 4x4 quads, and dedicated trail riders, why is suziki STILL making the 400 now with injection ??? easy, because the racers love them, no hold on its the trail riders that buy them. the trail market is getting bigger and bigger every year.

So be fair and dont point the finger at the Victorian trailriders because we get out there and have go, at promoting the sport of quads safley and profesionally. And while I'm at it, how is the QRCV going to promote trail riding legally in Vic when they get their slot on 4wdTV on SBS soon ??? I hope they dont get a pic in the mag. I BLOODY HOPE THEY DO, and fantasic work by them to get this wonderful oppertunity.

rant over.
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers