• Only use a quad bike if another vehicle is not suitable for the job.

• Do not use a quad bike if you haven't had training.

• Helmets must be worn.

• Use active riding to reduce the chances of a roll-over.

• Don't overload the front or rear carriers maximum 30kg on the front and 60kg on the back.

• Don't exceed the 40kph speed limit.

• Maximum 450kg towing capacity. Don't tow trailers not designed for quad bikes, such as car trailers.

• Note that if a trailer tips it can tip the whole quad bike - this is particularly a risk with the duster which has a high centre of gravity or with the spray trailer with the liquid sloshing around. Dusters also get a bounce going quite easily.

• Quad bikes are not to go off tracks in the gullies.

• Check the bike each day before use with T.C.L.O.W.C. - tyres, controls, lights, oil, water, chassis.

• Only carry a passenger if there is no other option. Drive at low speeds and on even terrain only.

• Don't attach unnecessary accessories as they can make injuries worse in an accident.

• Take care dismounting quad bikes that you don't accidentally bump the throttle. Also, avoid transporting calves on quad bikes where possible as they can bump the throttle.

• Take extra care when riding on the road, or riding with 4WD on as these conditions both affect controllability.

• Always have your phone or other means of communication in case you need to call for help.
  
  

Side by Sides

• Side by Side vehicles can be safer than quad bikes, but only if the following is observed:

  • You must wear a helmet.

  • You must wear the seat belt.

  • You must close the door and the net to prevent limbs being crushed by the Roll Over Protection Device
    
    

Racing on after near-fatal crash

By Alice Scott

"When sheep and beef farmer Bevan Wilson found himself pinned under the cab of his Can-Am side-by-side, the fact he might not have been able to compete in the Coast to Coast Longest Day endurance race was the last thing on his mind.

Seven months on, the 40-year-old recently crossed the finish line of the event with a tale of resilience and sheer determination getting him there.

Farming sheep and beef properties in the Strath Taieri Valley alongside staff, his wife Anna and their three young children, Mr Wilson conceded he was "all go", and thrived off that pace when it came to everything he did.

It was the end of July last year when he was out mustering ewes and his stock manager Charlie Smith was nearby on another ridge of the block.

"We had a bit of snow on the ground and I was going along the side of a hill. I was just going too fast for the conditions. The back wheels started to slide me sideways and then I hit a tussock which flipped the Can-Am. It just happened so quickly. It threw me out the passenger’s side and ended up on top of me."

Facial injuries included a set of "rearranged" teeth and a badly cut mouth.

"The cab was on my neck which I managed to somehow shimmy down to my chest, which was probably not a great idea as it made it harder to breathe.’’

After about 15 minutes he found his phone up by his shoulder with his free arm. "But it was wet, I could hardly see with blood in my eyes, and I didn’t have any coverage."

He eventually got one bar of service, and decided to use that time to call his wife. "Ibelieved I could die, but was not going to, although my breathing was getting harder and harder."

Mrs Wilson worked on getting the rescue helicopter to him.

He was found by Mr Smith, after he heard his cries for help. He was able to lift the Can-Am enough for Mr Wilson to get out from underneath.

"I feel pretty sure that if Charlie hadn’t turned up when he did, I quite probably wouldn’t be here today. He saved my life."

Mr Wilson was lucky to have only broken ribs, 50 stitches to his mouth and "a fair few visits to the dentist".

Read the Worksafe booklet before using.