Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo, Dara Calleary is proposing an All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Bill to legislate for improved safety on quad bikes.

The bill, which is due to be introduced this week, would see the introduction of mandatory anti-roll bars and the use of headgear on quad bikes.

There is a clear need for a stronger legislative framework

“Tragically, 15% of all farm deaths between 2007-2016 were as a result of quad accidents,” Calleary said.

“Evidence shows that the major factors in these fatal accidents were farmers overturning or losing control of their quad bike and being crushed or pinned by the vehicle.

“There is a clear need for a stronger legislative framework to protect workers, particularly those on farms.”

Coroner's report

The introduction of the bill follows an inquest report carried out by Pat O’Connor, coroner for Mayo, following a farmer’s fatal accident involving a quad bike.

O’Connor recommended that at the very least guidelines were needed to prevent the rise in quad related farm accidents and deaths.

“I’m not suggesting for a moment there should be over-regulation, but at least guidelines,” O’Connor stated.

Farmer's death shows quads should have roll bars – coroner

Watch: is this bike going to replace the quad?

Fianna Fáil bill for mandatory anti-roll bars on quads

The Fianna Fáil bill would see mandatory anti-roll bars and headgear for users of quad bikes come into force.