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Lee Kernaghan calls for greater safety around ATVs

Country singer Lee Kernaghan is fighting for greater safety around ATVs.
Country singer Lee Kernaghan is fighting for greater safety around ATVs.

Advertiser content for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

Lee Kernaghan’s music epitomises the spirit of the Australian bush and his latest safety message could be a life-saver for Aussie farmers.

Kernaghan’s songs are modern-day anthems for Australians living and working on the land and his tours have raised millions of dollars to support rural and regional areas. 

Already a country music legend, he is also adding quad bike safety ambassador to his credentials.

This time Kernaghan is making farm safety his number-one priority, joining forces with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) in advocating for improved safety on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or quad bikes as they are commonly known.

On stage he always wears his famous Akubra hat but when riding off-road he always wears a helmet and he is encouraging all ATV users to do the same.

“When using ATVs, it’s very important that a few safety measures are taken,” Kernaghan said.

“Helmets are the most effective safety device for ATV riders; I would encourage everyone to wear one.”

His safety message doesn’t stop there. The singer is also a strong advocate for rider training to ensure sound techniques and safe use of ATVs.

“Training really is essential and I encourage all riders to undertake a training course,” he said. 

“I’ve completed the ATV industry’s online safety course and there’s some very good information on riding techniques but, more importantly, there are some great tips on how to avoid the more common mistakes and difficult situations that people get into when riding ATVs.”

Kernaghan also supports the FCAI campaign to introduce new rules regulating who can ride quad bikes. 

“You can also make things safer by not carrying passengers on the ATV racks and ensuring that children under 16 are not allowed on full size ATVs,” he said. 

The FCAI is concerned that there is an ill-informed rush to install Crush Protection Devices (CPDs) on ATVs without the supporting evidence to substantiate their use.

The ACCC is pushing for mandatory CPDs on ATVs but the FCAI says industry research and a rider survey show they can cause as many injuries as they may prevent.

“Coronial findings show that measures such as mandatory helmets for all ATV riders, banning children aged under 16 from riding adult ATVs and banning passengers from riding single-seat ATVs can reduce the number of ATV fatalities by over 50 per cent,”  FCAI ATV safety expert Mark Collins said.

“These known safety practices are much more effective than fitting a Crush Protection Device, which has an equal chance of harming as it does of helping a rider.”

Kernaghan is a long time advocate and supporter of rural and regional Australia. His "Pass The Hat" tours,  "Spirit Of The Bush" drought relief concerts and Farmhand initiatives have raised millions of dollars for country Australia.

“If there is one message I want people to hear it’s to look after yourself, your family and mates and make safety your number one priority when riding ATVs,” he said.

For more safety information and tips on ATV use, go to: atvsafety.com.au

Advertiser content for the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.