WHILE mainstream warnings have raised alarm about quad bike use, the rate of motorcycle accidents in Dubbo has far exceeded the number of quad bike crashes.

A study from UNSW Sydney and NeuRA has found that motorcycles also cause a far higher rate of injuries among children than quad bikes.

Between the years of 2001 and 2018, out of 6,624 quad bike and motorcycle crashes, 1468 were quad bike incidents and 5,156 were motorcycles, including motocross bikes, trail bikes, and other off-road motorcycles.

Motorcycle riders were also more likely to have lower limb injuries, but less likely to have head, neck, abdominal or thoracic injuries than quad bike riders.

Quad bike riders had high severity in injuries on average, with longer hospital stays.

According to Transport for NSW’s Deputy Secretary Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy, the number of motorcycle crashes have remained steady, with the number of quad bike crashes sitting at zero.

“Motorcycle riders are vulnerable road users who are less protected than car drivers and have a greater chance of being seriously injured in a crash,” Ms McCarthy said.

In September 2018, a 21-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash in Dubbo.

In August 2019, a 24-year-old man died in a crash on Cobbora Road.

In March 2020, another man died in another motorcycle crash near Eulomogo Creek bridge.

“Any deaths or serious injuries on our roads is one too many,” Ms McCarthy said.

“The NSW Government is committed to driving the road toll towards zero and delivers a range of initiatives to improve the safety of all road users including motorcyclists.

“As a part of this effort, TFNSW champions the use of safe and tested helmets and riding gear as a key member of the Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH), as well as the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) consortiums.

“CRASH and MotoCAP rigorously test and evaluate the performance, level of protection, comfort and breathability of motorcycle helmets, pants, jackets, and gloves.”

The safety ratings of these items are published on MotoCAP.com.au to help riders make informed decisions about the safety of the gear they purchase and wear.

“Everyone has a part to play when it comes to saving lives on our roads, so if you are going out for a ride – long or short – always wear a helmet, ride to road and weather conditions, don’t drive if you’re tired, and be aware of safe braking distances.”