Gardaí warns parents not to give children quads and scramblers for Christmas

PARENTS ARE ASKED not to purchase kids quads and scramblers at Christmas.

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have launched a new public awareness campaign to highlight the dangers that quads and scramblers pose to children.

Three of the six people who died in Ireland as a result of an incident involving a quad bike or scrambler were 18 years old or younger between 2014 and 2019, according to provisional statistics released today by the RSA.

Casualty figures also show that between 2014 and 2019, 60 people were injured in collisions with a quad bike or scrambler on a public road.

Of those killed or injured during this period, 41% of the victims were 18 years old or younger.

“The use of encoders and quads by children represents a serious safety hazard. These are powerful machines that have the potential to cause serious or even fatal injury to someone, ”said Garda Assistant Commissioner Paula Hillman.

“This is why they are not suitable for use by children or inexperienced cyclists,” Hillman said.

Parents considering buying quads or scramblers for their kids this Christmas should be aware that when used on public roads they are subject to the same rules as other power-driven vehicles.

“They must be registered, taxed and in good condition to circulate. The driver of the vehicle must have the corresponding driver’s license and be insured to drive the vehicle, ”he said.

“The members of An Garda Síochána do not want to be giving devastating news to another family this Christmas, so our message is clear: children and young adolescents should not drive these vehicles in public, or without the license, insurance, equipment of security and supervision. ”

Gardaí also stressed that it is a crime for these vehicles to be used in public places such as parks and public areas.

RSA President Liz O’Donnell said: “Every Christmas quads and scramblers are given away, sometimes very young children, so it is important that people are informed of the risks. These machines are not toys.

“They are intended to be driven by people in a supervised and controlled environment. Many people enjoy off-road biking as a fun activity, on designated tracks and trails, ensuring they ride in a safe and appropriate environment.

“However, in the hands of inexperienced and often unsupervised children in public places, they pose a serious danger. If you plan to give away a quad bike or scrambler this Christmas, rethink the situation. If it’s the thought that counts, think again. ”

You can find more information about quads on the RSA website.