With farmers across the country using quad bikes on a day-to-day basis, safe riding should be at the forefront of users minds, Can-Am, an ATV and SSV manufacture has said.
When you think of a farm's vehicles, the first ones which come to mind are tractors and all- terrain vehicles (ATV).
However, an ATV compared to other vehicles, has increased versatility in terms of towing and hauling capacity and the capability of handling multiple terrains with ease, from steep inclines to boggy fields.
These benefits have led to ATVs becoming the workhorse vehicles that are relied upon on a day to day basis.
However, Richard Gregg, district commercial manager, UK (North), said it is important to remember that the farm is a potentially dangerous work environment, so when using an ATV, safe riding should be at the forefront of the user's mind out in the field.
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) commitments to promote responsible riding:
- Prepare an itinerary before setting off and communicate it to the people close to you (colleagues, friends or family)
- Follow the recommendations for use that are specified by the manufacturer in the operator's guide as well as on the safety labels placed on the vehicle.
- Follow maintenance instructions as recommended by the manufacturer
- Inspect the vehicle before use to make sure it is in good working order
- Take along communication devices and breakdown equipment
- Be aware of your surroundings particularly pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles.
- Take training courses with recognised industry bodies
- Always wear the correct personal protective equipment, such as a head protection, boots, long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding
Win an exclusively designed quad-bike helmet
As part of Farm Safety Week, the Farm Safety Foundation has teamed up with Honda to celebrate the unsung farm safety heroes working to keep agriculture safer.
The two helmets up for grabs have been exclusively designed by farmer Gareth Wyn Jones and rugby star Tom Youngs.
Entries can be submitted to FSF via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram along with the nominee's name, age and location, with the reason why they are an unsung farm safety hero (max 100 words) and which helmet you are nominating them for.
The competition closes on Wednesday July 22, with the winners to be announced on Friday July 24.
For more information on Farm Safety Week visit www.yellowwellies.org or follow @yellowwelliesUK on Twitter/Facebook using the hashtag #FarmSafetyWeek
