Dr John McVeigh MP, the Federal member for the seat of Groom in regional Queensland, has today (Wednesday, 31 August) added his support to the ATV industry’s newest safety initiative: a free Shark helmet with every utility ATV sold during September.
The giveaway is the industry’s most determined effort yet to convince ATV users of the proven safety benefits of wearing a helmet.
In launching the free helmet offer at the Queensland Beef Expo in Toowoomba today, Dr McVeigh said that he fully supported the industry’s strong desire to encourage helmet use among the thousands of farmers, graziers and pastoralists who use ATVs and SSVs every day.
“The evidence is irrefutable; wearing a helmet when riding your ATV or SSV could save your life if an accident occurs,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The research tells us that 30 per cent of fatally injured riders would have survived if they had been wearing a helmet. So by the industry providing a free helmet that is lighter in weight, cooler and more comfortable to wear, then hopefully more people will wear them and lives will be saved.”
The free helmet offered* is the newest and latest technology available and designed specifically for ATV and SSV users. The Shark ATV/SSV is the result of extensive feedback from farmers and graziers to address many of the issues with using a traditional style of the helmet while mustering or fencing.
The Shark Drak ATV/SSV is of a lightweight composite fibre shell construction, with excellent ventilation through the top of the helmet, and open ear grilles at each side so that riders can hear what is happening around them. The buckle design has a one-click function for use with gloved hands, the safety standards are first class (fully certified to ECE2205 and DOT standards), the helmet is Bluetooth-ready, and comes with a range of optional utility packs such as added sun, insect and dust protection aids. It’s road legal and can also be used on motorcycles.
The new Shark helmet retails for $259 but is free to anyone who buys a Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha or BRP utility ATV/ATV during September.
Dr McVeigh said that the industry was to be congratulated on this safety initiative.
“It is gratifying to see how the ATV industry has stepped up and invested tens of thousands of dollars in this promotion to make more Australians farm safe,” Dr McVeigh said.
“Hopefully this will send a strong signal out there to everyone who uses an ATV or SSV that this is a serious issue and for the safety of themselves, their families, friends and employees, to wear a helmet.”
He added that there were a number of other very important elements to keeping riders safe.
These include:
- Keeping children off adult-sized ATVs;
- Don’t ride when impaired by drugs and/or alcohol;
- Don‘t allow passengers on single-seat ATVs; and
- Enrolling in an accredited rider training program, or take the online e-learning test at atvsafety.snaplearn.com.au.
*Terms and conditions apply. Go to https://www.fcai.com.au/Safety/ATV-safety