As summer holidays approach, SafeWork SA is urging people to think carefully before riding quad bikes or side-by-side vehicles, after a rise in fatalities over the past two years.
Figures from Safe Work Australia show that since 2011, 234 people nationwide have died in incidents involving quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles. Men account for more than 80 per cent of those deaths. In South Australia, seven people have died across 2024 and 2025, marking the first fatalities in the state since 2021. Most of the recent deaths involved farmers.
Quad bikes are four-wheeled vehicles with a saddle-style seat, while side-by-side vehicles usually feature seatbelts, adjacent seating and a rollover protection cage. Both are commonly grouped under the term all-terrain vehicles and are widely used on farms and rural properties for work and recreation.
They remain one of the leading causes of serious injury and death on Australian farms, with incidents occurring during both work-related tasks and leisure riding. Rollovers are the most common cause, often ejecting riders or trapping them underneath, where crushing or suffocation can occur.
Data from 2011 to 2024 shows that 77 per cent of quad bike-related deaths involved adults aged over 50, while 12 per cent involved children under 16. These figures have shaped ongoing calls from safety authorities for stricter precautions and greater awareness, particularly during holiday periods when visitors may be unfamiliar with farm environments.
To reduce risk, riders are advised to wear helmets, use vehicles fitted with rollover protection, and avoid carrying passengers on single-rider quad bikes. Children should never ride adult quad bikes, even as passengers. Riders are also encouraged to steer clear of rough terrain, steep slopes, excessive speed and sudden manoeuvres, and to leave safety features intact.
The Consumer Goods (Quad Bikes) Safety Standard, introduced in 2019, requires new and imported second-hand quad bikes to meet minimum stability requirements, include rollover protection devices, and display clear safety warnings at the point of sale. Regulators say these measures have improved baseline safety but stress that rider behaviour remains critical.
Preparation before riding is another focus, with advice including telling someone where you are going and when you expect to return, wearing full protective clothing, avoiding alcohol or drugs, and carrying a phone or radio to call for help if needed.
Attorney-General Kyam Maher said farms were often central to holiday visits with family and friends, yet carried real risks. He urged visitors offered a chance to ride a quad bike to weigh those dangers carefully and act responsibly, noting that these vehicles should be treated with caution rather than as recreational playthings.
SafeWork SA Director of Compliance and Enforcement Brett Pfeffer echoed those concerns, pointing to recent deaths in South Australia as evidence of how dangerous quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles can be when used incorrectly. He said the aim of the warning was to highlight known hazards so riders could take practical steps to lower their risk, and encouraged users to consult the SafeWork SA website for detailed guidance before riding.
With more people heading to regional areas over summer, authorities are hoping clear information and careful decision-making will help prevent further loss of life.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
