Weipa Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) are investigating after a man sustained critical injuries in a quad bike crash at Rocky Point, Weipa, on Tuesday morning (April 26).
Preliminary information suggests that around 12.50am, four men were on the quad bike, travelling along McLeod Drive, when one of the men, who was sitting on the rear rack of the quad bike, fell off.
The passenger, an 18-year-old Trunding man, sustained serious head injuries and was transported to Weipa Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The other three men were not injured and are assisting Weipa CIB with their inquiries.
Quad bikes are designed for specific purposes and within particular operating conditions. Using them outside these parameters can significantly increase the risk of severe injury or death.
Quad bikes can be unstable due to their light weight and high centre of gravity, increasing the risk of a roll over on rough terrain, especially when turning or driving across slopes.
Overloading, inappropriate attachments or towing can significantly change the handling, stability and braking of a quad bike and may contribute to a potential roll over.
Acting Senior Sergeant Rod Stanley of Weipa Police Station said that quad bikes were unable to be driven on Queensland roads or road-related areas, legally, unless the vehicle was subject to the conditional registration scheme.
“Heavy fines are applicable for drivers and passengers of quad bikes if they do not comply with registration, licensing and the wearing of helmets,” Senior Sergeant Stanley said.
According to Safe Work Australia there have been three quad bike fatalities to date this year, with 11 people killed in 2021.
“As a community, we need to change our attitudes towards quad bikes or another fatality will occur.
“Having to tell family and friends that their loved one has been seriously injured or killed is one of the hardest jobs we have, as police.
“That job is made even more difficult in small communities like Weipa, because we are more likely to know the people involved.
“You are committing the offences of driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle if you drive or ride a quad bike or ATV on a road or road-related area.
“You may also be committing other offences, such as failing to wear a helmet or drink driving.”
The community is also reminded that children under the age of eight are prohibited from riding quad bikes and utility off-road vehicles on roads and road-related areas. They are also not able to be passengers.
Children of any age who are unable to sit with their feet flat on the floor and hands on the handholds are prohibited from driving or being a passenger on a quad bike.
Safety tips for all riders:
- Wear an appropriate motorcycle helmet
- Use protective equipment like gloves, boots etc
- Carefully descend slopes
- Operate the quad bike at a safe speed
- Make sure all cargo is secured before riding, and
- Do not operate a quad bike beyond your capabilities.
Community members are encouraged to continue to report sightings of quad bikes on the road or beaches to the police station.
The updated guidelines for conditionally registered vehicles are available on the .
