Towards a harmonised approach to reducing quad‐related fatal injuries in Australia and New Zealand: a cross‐sectional comparative analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective: This study compares the patterns of quad‐related fatal injuries between Australia and New Zealand (NZ). Method: Fatal injuries from July 2007 to June 2012 involving a quad (quad bike or all‐terrain vehicle) were identified from coronial files. Data described the socio‐demographic, injury, vehicle and environment factors associated with incidents. Injury patterns were compared between countries. Results: A total of 101 quad‐related fatalities were identified: 69 in Australia and 32 in NZ (7.3 and 8.0 annual fatalities per 100,000 vehicles). Of these, 95 closed cases were examined in detail and factors in common included fatalities occurring mainly in males, on farms, involving a rollover and resulting in crush injuries to the head and thorax. Helmet use and alcohol/drug involvement were infrequent. Differences were observed with regard to age, season of fatal incident and the presence of a slope. Conclusions: Fatality patterns are broadly similar. The few differences could be attributed to differing agricultural commodity mix, demographics and topography. Implications: This study's findings support harmonised cross‐country injury prevention efforts primarily focused on safe design and engineering principles to reduce this injury burden.

Keywords

• fatal injury
• injury prevention
• work
• farm
• quad bike
• all‐terrain vehicle (ATV)