• JUN / JUL 2021
MACHINERY 81
Two thirds of farmers still not wearing a helmet , new survey reveals
ACCORDING to new research , two thirds of users still don ’ t wear a helmet when they ride ATVs because they feel foolish wearing them on their own farm or don ’ t believe they ride fast enough to warrant them . To help combat this issue and to ensure that the importance of wearing a helmet is highlighted among users when driving an ATV , Can-Am is introducing its seven golden rules for ATV usage as part of its responsible riding programme .
The report , carried out by Dr Amy Irwin and Jana Mihulkova from the University of Aberdeen , found that 63.5 per cent of respondents stated they owned a helmet but only a third of the sample ( 29.9
per cent ) reported wearing a helmet frequently or always .
The research pinpointed several underlying factors , ranging from personal perceptions about helmets and personal barriers that stop farm workers wearing a helmet when using an ATV on their site .
The results highlighted the following comments : 1 . Personal perceptions :
• I do not go fast enough to need head protection in a crash
• I feel that helmets are unnecessary for short rides
• Helmets are less important for those who ride their ATV infrequently
• Since I am not racing or doing any stunts I don ’ t really need a helmet
• Helmets are only necessary for children aged 16 and below
• If you are an experienced rider you don ’ t need a helmet
• Its more important to drive carefully than it is to wear a helmet
• You only need a helmet if riding on the road
• You only need a helmet if riding on hills
• I would not want to spend money on an ATV helmet
2 . The norms on site :
• As an adult I feel foolish wearing a helmet just to ride round my property
• Wearing a helmet makes me look stupid if no-one else is wearing one
• Hardly anyone I know wears a helmet 3 . The barriers presented by helmet cost and comfort :
• ATV helmets are uncomfortable to wear
• ATV helmets make the user too hot
• Wearing an ATV helmet can impair your hearing
4 . Daily issues
• I often forget to wear my helmet
• When in a rush I am less likely to put my helmet on
• I can never find my helmet when I am getting ready to ride my ATV
• If I am tired , I am less likely to wear a helmet
To tackle this issue in 2021 and beyond and to highlight the importance of responsible riding in general , Can-Am is committing to educate new and existing users with seven golden rules as part of its global responsible rider programme :
• Always wear the correct personal protective equipment such as a helmet , boots , long sleeve shirt and trousers when out riding
• Prepare an itinerary before setting off and communicate it to the people close to you ( colleagues , friends or family )
• Follow the recommendations for use that are specified by the manufacturer in the operator ’ s guide as well as on the safety labels placed on the vehicle
• Follow maintenance instructions as recommended by the manufacturer
• Inspect the vehicle before use to make sure it is in good working order
• Take along communication devices and breakdown equipment
• Be mindful of the animals you come across and do not damage their natural habitat
James Dalke , BRP commercial manager UK and Ireland , says “ As a brand , we are committed to upholding health & safety standards , and our partnership with EASI enables us to offer training to all Can-Am customers . The fact that people have a helmet and do not wear it and the reasons why they don ’ t , reflects a mindset that we are aiming to change through education , as ATVs are the vehicles of choice for farm workers to carry out daily tasks .”
Philip
5m QUAD-TILL
Available 3m to 6m
Ltd
Hall Farm , Stainton , Nr . Rotherham , S . Yorkshire S66 7QY Tel : 01709 798522 Fax : 01709 790752 Email : info @ philipwatkins . co . uk www . philipwatkins . co . uk
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