AN INQUEST into the deaths of eight people killed using quad bikes has resumed in Sydney as a Queensland coroner handed down proposels for sweeping changes.
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NSW coroner Sharon Freund is examining the deaths, including that of a Niangala woman who died on her property in 2011 while using a quad bike to spray weeds, and whether an overhaul of the industry is needed.
The inquest, which has already heard evidence over two weeks earlier this year, comes as Queensland published a series of recommendations yesterday following a two year investigation.
Material from the Queensland inquest has been passed on to the NSW coroner and, as part of the recommendations, quad bike riders in Queensland could be required to get a licence and wear helmets under sweeping changes proposed by a coroner.
Deputy state coroner John Lock recommended Queensland introduce a licensing scheme for quad bike riders and laws making helmets mandatory on road or road-related areas.
Mr Lock also recommended laws banning children under 16 from riding adult quad bikes and those under seven from being passengers.
The proposals follow an inquest into the deaths of nine people in quad bike incidents in Queensland in recent years.
Quad bike accidents are the leading cause of death on Queensland farms and the majority of victims are 10 to 19, or over 50.
“If I was asked to set two priorities arising out the evidence heard in this inquest, it would be mandating helmet use and restricting children under the age of 16 from riding adult-size quad bikes,” Mr Lock said yesterday.
A nationally-accredited quad bike training program and an Australian standard for helmets designed for farm use should be developed before the laws are introduced, Mr Lock said.
He also proposed banning passengers on all sit-astride quad bikes, and developing an Australian standard for quad bike design.
“If there are to be future developments leading to safer use of quad bikes, state and federal governments and agencies under their control or auspice are going to have to make regulatory changes,” he said.