Quad bike safety goes virtual

The NSW Government has unveiled a virtual reality training experience for quad bike riders, focussed on primary producers.

Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean launched the program in Sydney on July 24, which simulates a quad bike accident and is part of SafeWork NSW’s $3.7 million Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program.

“Sometimes governments need to think outside the box, and this new program does just that by giving farmers a unique virtual insight into how quickly a quad bike can roll over, and the real impact it can have on their livelihood,” Mr Kean said.

“It’s also a stark reminder that when farmers gets injured it effects not just them, but also their family, and everyone else working around them on the farm.”

SafeWork NSW will debut the program, which was developed by Australian company VR Technologies, at AgQuip in Gunnedah from August 21-23, before taking it on the road to regional events and field days across the state.

“I encourage all farmers to have a crack at the virtual reality experience when attending your local field days. It might just save your life,” Mr Kean said.