Responding to recent debate concerning the safety of all-terrain vehicles, Mr Smith – who lost his son, Lachlan, in 2013 – says there is one improvement he believes could reduce risk. 

While the devastating death of seven-year-old Connor Irvin this week involved a child-size quad, it reignited calls to adjust the riding requirement laws in the state. Mr Smith said he felt the addition of a diff could make the most difference as fixed wheels put riders at risk.

“The diff allows one wheel to slow while the other turns (like a car),” he said. “Otherwise it just wants to push straight ahead and if you blow out a tire you could lose control.” 

The Adelong farmer agreed it was important to address low-level measures to control the risks – such as helmets and rollover mount bars –  but recommended a stronger focus be placed on the design of the bike itself. He said farmers would be safer if there was an option to ride without fixed wheels.