Already this year there has been five quad bike related deaths, with 60 deaths reported between 2011 and 2013.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Delia Rickard said all riders, no matter how experienced, needed to take precautions to avoid serious injury or death.

“Riding a quad bike can be a very dangerous activity,” she said.

“Half of the deaths reported since 2011 were associated with recreational use.”

Over the last three years, at least one in three riders who died was not wearing a helmet.

Riders are advised to wear protective gear at all times. This includes a helmet, long sleeves, long pants, boots or other sturdy shoes with a closed toe, and gloves.

“Ensuring you prepare safe, wear safe and ride safe will reduce your risk of being seriously injured or even killed in a quad bike accident,” Ms Rickard said.

“Quad bikes are not suitable for all terrains. They cannot be safely used on all slopes and surfaces. Even experienced riders have been injured when their quad bike has tipped or rolled,” Ms Rickard said.

Tragically, one in six quad bike related deaths between 2011 and 2013 involved children under 14 years old.

“Quad bikes can be particularly dangerous for children because they do not have the size, strength or co-ordination of adults.

“Parents and carers should never let children ride quad bikes meant for adults,” Ms Rickard said.

The ACCC has launched a YouTube video, ‘Would You Risk It?’ that highlights the life-threatening dangers of unsafe quad bike practices. The video is available at http://youtu.be/cwEXpI11dsk.