Quad bike drivers in Ireland now have to wear helmets

Drivers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have to wear a motorcycle-type helmet or a specialist ATV helmet, under the new regulation

A new quad bike law comes into effect in the Republic of Ireland from Monday.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports that those who use quad bikes or ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are now obliged to wear helmets and to undergo safety training.

The Irish Health and Safety Authority (HSA) says the new quad bike law, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulation 2021, is the first of its kind in Europe.

There have been at least 12 fatalities in agriculture involving quad bikes over the last 13 years, and many serious injuries, according to the HSA.

HSA Senior Inspector for Farm Safety Pat Griffin said too many lives had been "tragically lost in quad bike incidents" and that "wearing a helmet and undergoing proper training has to be a basic requirement for any quad user".

"Machinery and vehicles, including quad bikes account for about half of all fatalities on farms," he said.

"These new regulations can only benefit farmers and their families in trying to prevent future tragedy visiting our faming communities."

All ATV drivers have to wear a motorcycle-type helmet or a specialist ATV helmet, under the new regulation.

Helmets must have chin straps. Workplace hard hats, cyclist helmets and other helmets are not deemed acceptable.

Drivers must also complete an ATV safety training course.

Those who are already experienced ATV users can take a one-day course while new drivers must complete a two-day course.