For many families, especially in rural and regional Queensland, quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles are part of everyday life. But for children, the risks are significant and too often underestimated.
Since 2004, 23 children have died in Queensland in incidents involving these vehicles. These deaths are not random. They follow clear and recurring patterns. Children are often using vehicles without the supervision, safeguards or conditions needed to keep them safe. Most incidents happen on private property, in familiar settings, where there is a perception that the risk is lower.
We have also seen a shift over time. While deaths involving quad bikes have declined, incidents involving side-by-side vehicles are increasing. This reflects changes in how these vehicles are being used and where the risks are now sitting. Everyday decisions about access, supervision and use are critical, including making sure children are not operating vehicles and the correct safety equipment is used properly, every time.
There is also a role for systems and policy to support consistent messaging, safer design and stronger awareness, particularly in private settings where most of these incidents occur. Preventing harm to children requires all of us to act on what we already know.