Rechnitzer 1 REDUCING ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATVs) INJURIES AND DEATHS - A WAY AHEAD

The use of ATV’s both recreationally and in the workplace (particularly on farms in Australia), continue to be major contributors to fatal and serious injuries both in the USA and Australia. This paper firstly presents the findings from the authors’ 2003 study into ATV safety and potential countermeasures [1], and secondly, some 10 years later, leads into the current major test program being undertaken for the WorkCover Authority of NSW on ATV (Quad Bikes and Side by Side Vehicles) stability and crashworthiness at UNSW. The 2003 study was carried out at the request of the Victorian WorkCover Authority and the State Coroner to provide a review of previous research relating to ATV fatalities and serious injuries and to examine the feasibility of fitting effective occupant protection systems, particularly regarding rollover. While current prevention strategies continue to focus on lower order risk controls such as rider training and administrative controls, the authors consider that the very successful passenger vehicle NCAP type test and rating program could also be applied to improve ATV safety.