Quad bikes and ATVs have been categorised as the second most dangerous vehicle on a farm.

A lot of farms use them for day-to-day jobs and using an ATV has become a routine element of farm work but it is important that safety is kept at the forefront of the operator’s mind at all times.

1 Make sure that the loads carried on the racks are secure and evenly balanced and do not exceed the capacity of the ATV (check the manufacturer’s recommendations).

2 Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes peeled for any pedestrians, livestock, obstructions or other vehicles.

3 Inspect the ATV before use to ensure that it is in good working order.

4 Avoid sudden increases in speed as this is one of the common causes of an overturned vehicle.

5 Always wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a helmet, boots, long-sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding.

6 When riding across a slope, keep your weight forward. When going downhill, slide your weight backwards, select a low gear and use engine braking, which leads to the reduction in the need to use the brakes.

7 Be careful when travelling in fields with unfamiliar terrain, particularly fields that were damaged in the wet spring as ground conditions may be hazardous.

8 You cannot predict the Irish weather as one minute it could be bright sunshine and the next it could be pouring with rain, so be aware of changes in ground conditions as these could affect the loads you are carrying or the attachments you are pulling.

9 Always read the owner’s manual.