QB008-Transport and Road Safety Research Uni of NSW

QB008 - Transport and Road Safety Research — University of NSW (TARS UNSW)

Individual / Organisation name: TARS, UNSW What state/territory are you from? NSW

Public Discussion Paper: Review of Design and Engineering Controls for Improving Quad Bike Safety Public Comment Response Form Complete and submit this form by 5:00PM AEST 28 SEPTEMBER 2012 to [email protected]

Response to questions identified in the Discussion Paper 1. What design solutions and/or engineering controls could improve quad bike stability and safety? Comment TARS –UNSW is currently conducting a major research project on Quad Bike stability (lateral and rear) and crashworthiness (rollover). WorkCover NSW and the NSW State Govt. fund this project see http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/1-million-boost-quad-bike-safety.

The Project commenced in September 2012, with results for the stability part of the project due in March 2013. Testing work will be conducted at CRASHLAB, NSW. The testing will involve 10 different QUAD models, and will result in stability rating, and development of an NQDAP rating (based on the very successful NCAP- New Car Assessment Program approach).

TARS-UNSW and the project team supports this strong Federal Government initiative led by the Honorary Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Employment and WorkPlace Relations, to improve QUAD bike safety.

This Public Discussion Paper and support of the Federal Government for improved QUAD bike safety is welcomed. However we recommend that any such further funding for QUAD bike safety research and safety developments should be co-ordinated with this TARS-UNSW project. This would maximise the opportunity for effective safety developments, and avoid duplication or pre- empt sound research based outcomes, and help ensure effective use of tax payer funds.

To better ensure industry take up and contribution to improved QUAD bike safety, research must be scientifically based, peer reviewed, and provide a convincing case for design changes as regards stability and crashworthiness. The outcomes of the research should also provide an opportunity for innovative solutions based on test performance criteria as is currently the situation for new cars and the highly successful NCAP consumer rating process. It should not be based on any prescriptive standard. 2. What engineering controls could improve operator protection in the event of a roll over? Comment TARS –UNSW is currently conducting a major research project on QUAD stability and crashworthiness. This project is funded by WorkCover NSW and the NSW State Govt. It commenced in September 2012, with results for the crashworthiness part of the project due September 2013. The tests will involve the assessment of severe injury risk due to lateral or rearward rollover onto the rider. Particular focus will be on crush injuries and asphyxia as a result. Testing work will be conducted at CRASHLAB, NSW. The testing will involve 10 different ATV models with and without CPDs (crush protection devices), and will result in a crashworthiness rating, and development of an NQDAP rating (based on the very successful NCAP- New Car Assessment Program approach). See http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/1-million-boost-quad- bike-safety. As noted in Question 1 Response, this Public Discussion Paper and support of the Federal Government for improved QUAD bike safety is welcomed. However we recommend that any such further funding for QUAD bike safety research and safety developments should be co-ordinated with this TARS-UNSW project. This would maximise the opportunity for effective safety developments, and avoid duplication or pre-empt sound research based outcome, and help ensure effective use of tax payer funds.

To better ensure industry take up and contribution to improved QUAD bike safety, research must be scientifically based, peer reviewed, and provide a convincing case for design changes as regards stability and crashworthiness. The outcomes of the research should also provide an opportunity for innovative solutions based on test performance criteria as is currently the situation for new cars and the highly successful NCAP consumer rating process. It should not be based on any prescriptive standard. 3. What engineering options could minimise the capacity of children to start and/or operate quad bikes? Comment  QUAD bikes could be designed with load sensing seats (as some passengers cars are for sensing occupants in seats as regards airbag deployment), and be set so that, for example riders less than, say 45kg, will not enable the QUAD to start.  Ignition systems require a number code to start, which only the adult operator knows. 4. What engineering controls could minimise the capacity of a quad bike to carry passengers. Comment QUAD bikes could be designed with load sensing seats (as some passengers cars are for sensing occupants in seats as regards airbag deployment), and be set so that the weight of two riders or the sensing of two separate loads on the seat would disable the QUAD from starting or in an emergency override situation – only allow a top speed of for example, 20 km/h. Please note legal requirements, such as those imposed by the Freedom of Information Act 1982, may affect the confidentiality of your submission.