Just 18% of quad users surveyed wear a helmet 

Results of a survey carried out by Agri Aware as part of its ‘Sowing Wellbeing in Every Field’ campaign, reveal that a worryingly low number of quad bike users wear a helmet while operating the vehicle. The survey, conducted at the National Ploughing Championships, disclosed that just 18 per cent of those questioned said they wear a helmet at all times while operating a quad. The remaining 72 per cent answered they would ‘sometimes’, ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ wear a helmet while operating one.

Of those surveyed who own or use a quad, just over 57 per cent own a helmet, while just over 50 per cent have completed a quad-training course – both of which, under new legislation introduced in 2023, are required by all quad users.

The final survey question related to the legal age permitted to drive a quad – 16 years’ and over. Of those surveyed, 41 per cent either answered incorrectly or didn’t know what the legal age limit is. 

Agri Aware chair, Shay Galvin said that these statistics highlight the need for further awareness on the legislation that is in place since 2023, and around the dangers posed by a quad. He added: “We are seeing more and more accidents involving quads on farms, some of which are fatal. Furthermore, there is no doubt that there are many who are involved in accidents with quads that aren’t reported also. The results of the surveys completed at the National Ploughing Championships show the work we need to do to in this space to ensure users of quads are aware of the legislative requirements that allow users to be safe whilst driving a quad." Turn to pages 42 and 43 to read more about Agri Aware's 'Sowing Wellbeing in Every Field' campaign.