Side-by-side-vehicle safety
Keep safe on side-by-side vehicles
Side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) are great farming vehicles and are often preferred over quad bikes as they have a greater towing capacity, passenger capability with seatbelts and off-road stability. They also come fitted with safety features that help protect operators and passengers from fatal or serious injuries. These safety features include:
- built in Rollover Protection Structure (ROPS) – prevents you from crush injuries in the event of a roll over
- seatbelts – prevents you from being ejected from the vehicle
- cab nets/doors – prevents body limbs protruding from the vehicle and being crushed in the event of a rollover.
To ensure safety:
- choose the safest route – look out for obstacles
- make sure everyone is trained to safely operate a SSV on your farm
- always wear a seat belt – including passengers
- always wear a helmet – including passengers
- always close the cab nets/doors
- never carry passengers in the rear cargo tray.
Farm owners and operators should be aware that side-by-side vehicles can pose a number of risks to both drivers and passengers if the safety features are not used correctly.
A seat belt can save your life
If there's a collision or rollover, your seat belt helps keep you secured inside the vehicle and protects you from serious or fatal injuries.
A seat belt was not worn in 13 out of 13 SSV fatalities in NSW (2017 – 2020). These deaths are preventable.
| If you are not wearing a seatbelt | Keep safe |
|---|---|
You may hit the protective frame (Rollover Protection Structure – ROPS) You can be thrown partially or completely out of the vehicle You can be thrown against or through the windscreen | Make sure everyone wears a seat belt when riding in a SSV Check that seat belts and anchor points are in good condition Never alter or remove the seat belts |
When getting back into your vehicle after opening or closing a gate, always remember to put your seat belt back on – it only takes a few seconds.
Always wear a seat belt in a side-by-side vehicle. Your seat belt keeps you secured and protects you from serious or fatal injuries.
Understand the contributors to SSV roll over, ejection and collision incidents
| Challenging terrain and obstacles | Keep safe |
|---|---|
| Rocky, steep, uneven, sandy or muddy terrain |
Choose the safest route Look out for rocks, holes, fallen branches, uneven ground, and other obstacles. If you can’t see what the ground conditions are like, get off and walk. A drone might help around the area before you drive over it. Take extra care on uneven terrain. Travel up and down slopes (not across) The driver is appropriately trained for the type of terrain the vehicle will be operated on the farm |
| Carrying passengers | Keep safe |
| Carrying passengers in the rear cargo tray impacts user control and stability |
Never carry passengers in the rear cargo tray Never carry more passengers then there are seat belts Follow all the manufacturer's recommendations about passengers in side-by-side vehicles Many have specific passenger height and ability restrictions |
| Tyre pressure | Keep safe |
| Incorrect tyre pressure impacts traction, stability, and tyre longevity |
Take a few seconds to check the tyre pressure before start-up Follow the tyre pressure instructions in the owner’s manual |
| Towing | Keep safe |
Using a side-by-side vehicle to tow a trailer that is too heavy, too big, or with an incompatible center of gravity can contribute to:
|
Never overload a side-by-side vehicle or a trailer Follow the load limit instructions in the owner’s manual |
| Carrying loads | Keep safe |
Carrying loads on the side-by-side vehicle adds extra weight which can:
Carrying liquids
|
Balance the load and keep it low. High loads raise the centre of gravity Make sure the load is securely strapped down Follow the load limits recommended in the owner’s manual Use internal baffles in tanks for liquids to reduce the movement of the liquid and stabilise the load Make sure tanks are properly sealed to avoid splashing chemicals onto the vehicle, the operator and/or passengers, or surroundings |
| Attachments and modifications | Keep safe |
| Attachments and modifications on side-by-side vehicles can reduce the stability and overall performance of the vehicle |
Ensure the attachment is suitable for your SSV Follow the manufacturers recommendations in the owner’s manual |
| Multi tasking | Keep safe |
| Where a side-by-side vehicle operator undertakes a task (such as spraying or mustering) the operator may focus on the task rather than operating the vehicle and may not be aware of unexpected surface changes or obstacles | Maintain slow speed and seek a path over the terrain that provides the best visibility of any potential obstruction or hazard |
More information
SafeWork NSW's Quad bike and side-by-side vehicle page.