PRESSURE is mounting on the state government to introduce quad bike safety reforms after the tragic death of a seven-year-old Riverina boy on Monday.
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The region has been plunged into grief after the Barellan child died at the Canberra Hospital following Sunday’s accident.
He suffered serious head trauma after he misjudged a sharp turn and crashed the four-wheeler.
The boy was driving the four-wheeler with a nine-year-old passenger sitting behind him when he crashed.
It is believed the seven-year-old was crushed by the quad.
A Barellan community member for many years, Beth Preston fought back tears when recalling her memories of the boy and his family.
“It’s just so tragic and horrible,” she said.
“I’ve seen him grow up since he was a little baby.
“His family are just so lovely and the nicest people you will find.”
The seven-year-old attended school at Barellan Central, where many of his classmates and teachers are grappling to come to terms with the loss.
“It’s just going to hit every one so hard,” Ms Preston said.
Police revealed the boy and his passenger were both wearing helmets and were supervised on the day.
It comes just four weeks after Tumblong man Phillip Derrick, 54, was killed in a quad bike accident on his rural property near Gundagai.
Pressure is now mounting on the NSW Government to introduce legislation to improve quad bike safety and reduce the number of deaths.
Among the recommendations include mandatory licences, helmets and seatbelts – and banning children under the age of 16 from riding the bikes.
Griffith City Council road safety officer Greg Balind said the latest tragedy served as a stark reminder that further change is required.
“I recall 25 years ago that it was mandatory to install roll bars on tractors because of people being crushed and that caused a change in the design of agricultural machinery,” he said.
“We saw far fewer accidents and far fewer deaths. From a safety perspective, I’d advocate for all riders to require a licence, a helmet and a roll cage on their bike.”
Mr Balind said the quad bike was a vital piece of machinery for farmers and producers, but “caution has to be exercised”.
In November 2015, deputy state coroner Sharon Freund recommended a safety rating system for quad bikes and mandatory licences, helmets and seatbelts.
She also recommended children under the age of 16 be banned from riding the vehicles, arguing the social and emotional costs of quad deaths were so “enormous”, they warranted a dramatic culture shift.
While NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen said the association firmly oppose any form of compulsory legislation, he has pleaded with people to stop using quad bikes as “toys”.
“These are powerful machines that shouldn’t be used for fun,” he said.
“We encourage everybody to fit roll over protection.”