The rising fatalities associated with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in South Australia have sparked a wave of concern, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. The state recorded five ATV-related deaths in 2024, the first since 2021. This year began with another tragic incident when a side-by-side vehicle (SSV) rolled over on a farming property in Tungkillo, leading to the operator’s death.
The grim tally has now reached 11 fatalities since 2011, with recent incidents bringing the dangers of these vehicles into sharp focus. In March and April of last year, three men lost their lives in separate quad bike accidents across the Adelaide Hills, Whites Flat, and Port Broughton. Another fatality occurred in September, when a man was ejected from an SSV during a collision in South Australia’s South East, exacerbated by his failure to wear a seatbelt.
The rollovers, often involving vehicles that weigh up to 400kg, are responsible for approximately half of all quad bike-related deaths. Even at low speeds, these incidents can be deadly, trapping or crushing riders beneath their vehicles. The most recent fatality has prompted SafeWork SA to intensify its warnings about tampering with safety features, a practice that some users adopt to bypass speed limiters by clipping the seatbelt behind them, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.
SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell emphasised the peril of misusing these vehicles, which, despite their ‘go-anywhere’ marketing, cannot safely navigate all terrains. Farrell urges users to adhere strictly to safety instructions, which include wearing seatbelts and not disabling critical safety features.
The data paints a stark picture: since 2011, 212 people have died in quad bike incidents across Australia, with 19 fatalities occurring in 2024 alone. These figures reinforce the classification of quad bikes and SSVs as leading causes of death on Australian farms. As such, SafeWork SA has called on operators to consult the vehicle manuals and the information available on their website to ensure safe operation.
South Australian Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher echoed these sentiments, stressing that the dangers of ATVs must be taken seriously and that safety instructions should be rigorously followed to prevent further loss of life.
With the surge in fatalities, the spotlight is now on fostering a culture of safety among ATV users. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, as each death represents a preventable tragedy. By raising awareness and promoting adherence to safety protocols, it is hoped that the rate of ATV-related incidents can be significantly reduced, making South Australia’s farms safer for all.
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