MINIMUM LICENCE AGE MUST BE IMPOSED ON ATV’S

Independent Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed is calling for the Andrews Labor Government to consider imposing a legal age for ATV licensing.

This call comes as the Legislative Assembly passed the Ports and Marine Legislation Amendment Bill this week.

Among the amendments, the Bill changes the licensing requirements for those aged between 12 and 16 years of age, ensuring they will only be able to ride a jet ski with supervision.

“There is no denying jet skis are powerful crafts, but so too are on farm vehicles such as quad bikes,” Ms Sheed said.

More than $1million in quad safety rebates have been claimed in the past five months, as farmers endeavour to make their farms safer by installing an operator protection device on their ATV’s.

Ms Sheed highlighted the plight of Numurkah mother Emily Cason, who has been campaigning for changes in the legislation since the death of her son Sam in October 2011.

“Sam had never ridden a quad bike before, but on that day, he was riding alone to find an adult, after he and his friend had found a cow in distress.

“What happened next, no one knows, but Sam was found dead next to the quad.  Somehow he had been thrown from the vehicle, and had hit his head. He was killed instantly.

“His mother started a social media campaign: Fight for Sam, campaigning for quad bike safety, after discovering there was not only no minimum age, but also no requirement for the rider or passenger to wear a helmet.

“If we are looking at putting age restrictions on jet ski licenses, we must also look to other vehicles, such as ATVs.

On water, or on land, both pose risks of serious injuries,” Ms Sheed said.

 

Ends

Media contact

Sueanne McCumstie 0428 743 880│sueanne.mccumstie@parliament.vic.gov.au

 

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