Widespread adoption of the new Shark ATV helmet would have an immediate impact on reducing ATV injuries nationally, industry research has found.
The helmet had its official public release this week in Queensland where Fiona O’Sullivan, Manager, Agriculture Strategy Unit Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, together with Yamaha brand ambassador and country singing legend Lee Kernaghan, added their support to a concerted campaign encouraging more ATV riders to wear helmets.
The ATV industry has been unswerving in its commitment to its Five Star Safety campaign, of which helmet usage is a key component.
The new helmet is the result of extensive 12-month research into specific ATV rider needs and in particular, those of working farmers using ATVs for common tasks such as stock mustering, feeding and fencing.
Where the Shark helmet differs from many other designs is that it is lightweight (1200 grams) and has unique removeable earpods to allow users to hear what’s happening around them. The helmet is well-ventilated and also Bluetooth-ready for phone or rider-to-rider communication.
It also has a removeable inner lining and a new micro-lock buckle system which allows the rider to operate the buckle while wearing gloves. Importantly, the design of the lining doesn’t cause discomfort when wearing glasses or sunglasses.
A range of accessories are available to suit the Shark ATV helmet including a dust pack, a fly pack and a sun pack which includes a flap to protect the rider’s neck.
The Shark helmet has approval to certification standard ECE 22-05 and DOT, which is the global standard for full road compliance.
The ATV industry’s peak body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), has been vocal in its support for the new helmet which addresses many of the concerns expressed by farmers who recognise the safety benefits of wearing a helmet on their ATV but find conventional designs hot, heavy and unsuitable.
“This helmet design shows that the industry takes the concerns and views of working farmers and ATV riders very seriously,” Tony Weber, the FCAI’s Chief Executive said.
“Safety is a priority for the industry. That’s why we have introduced an on-line tutorial for riders in remote areas and a Five Star Safety campaign. We’re hoping the addition of this ATV-specific helmet is another initiative which will greatly reduce the risk to riders.”