Summary of quad bike fatalities (2011–2018)
- More than one third (38%) of quad bike fatalities occurred on terrain where an incline was noted by investigators (49 out of 128 fatalities)
- Over half (55%) of quad bike fatalities occurred on uneven ground
- Over half (60%) of quad bike fatalities involved rollovers (77), with 51 non-rollovers (collision/thrown from the quad/other)
- A potential weight imbalance (e.g. through carrying spray tanks, cargo, passengers, towing heavy trailers) was noted for over one third (36%) of quad bike fatalities (46 fatalities)
- In 10% (13) of quad bike fatalities the rider was wearing a helmet, 58% (73) were not wearing a helmet and in 33% of fatalities it was unknown if a helmet had been worn or not
- 49% (63) of the quad bike fatalities occurred while the deceased was riding while not working, 49% (62) occurred when deceased was working
- Over three-quarters 84% (108) of the quad bike fatalities were males. Of the 20 females who have died, over half (55%) rode an imbalanced quad bike
- Children under the age of 16 were involved in 14% (18) of the fatal incidents
- None of the 128 fatalities mentioned any form of rollover protection on the vehicle
Note: Information compiled by Safe Work Australia.
Analysis includes all known quad bike fatalities where the date of death occurred between 2011 and 2018.
2021 quad bike fatalities
As at 21 January, there have been 1 quad bike fatalities in 2021.
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
57 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2020 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
71 |
Female |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
70 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
70 |
Female |
VIC |
Rollover |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13 |
Female |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
67 |
Female |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Flat |
- |
- |
26 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
10 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
22 |
Female |
QLD |
Other |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
Passenger |
76 |
Female |
QLD |
Other |
- |
No |
- |
Road |
Seated sideways with container |
76 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
- |
Tank |
63 |
Male |
QLD |
Other |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
60 |
Male |
TAS |
Collision |
- |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
12 |
Male |
NT |
- |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Road |
- |
|
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
49 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
38 |
Male |
WA |
Other |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Male |
NSW |
Other |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Passenger (Cargo area) |
37 |
Male |
WA |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
49 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
80 |
Male |
NT |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
49 |
Male |
QLD |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
61 |
Male |
QLD |
Other |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2 |
Male |
VIC |
- |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
The 2020 quad bike fatalities listed are based on preliminary data sources and media reports. This information is subject to change and may be updated from time to time when additional information becomes available (such as the completion of formal/coronial investigations).
2019 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
60 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Uneven surface |
Grass |
Container attached to vehicle |
35 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
Incline |
Dirt |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
49 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
7 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
9 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
51 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
Gravel |
- |
56 |
Female |
TAS |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
51 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
- |
Yes |
Uneven |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
The 2019 quad bike fatalities listed are based on preliminary data sources and media reports. This information is subject to change and may be updated from time to time when additional information becomes available (such as the completion of formal/coronial investigations).
2018 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
17 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
20 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
27 |
Male |
NSW |
Collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
31 |
Female |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
Dirt |
Passenger on vehicle |
31 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover after collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
35 |
Male |
QLD |
Accident |
Working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
44 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
50 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision with parked trailer |
Working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
69 |
Male |
NT |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
75 |
Male |
QLD |
Flipped and rolled |
Working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
Container attached to vehicle |
82 |
Male |
VIC |
Accident |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
2017 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
6 |
Female |
NSW |
Collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
7 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
8 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
37 |
Male |
SA |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
38 |
Male |
Vic |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
- |
Trailer attached to vehicle |
41 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
60 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
Gravel |
- |
60 |
Male |
NSW |
- |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
66 |
Male |
QLD |
- |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
69 |
Male |
Vic |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
74 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
2016 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
16 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Gravel |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
18 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Ditch |
- |
- |
53 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
53 |
Female |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Dirt |
Container attached to vehicle |
53 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
54 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
62 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
- |
- |
65 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
- |
69 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Mud |
- |
88 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
2015 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
6 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
Sand |
- |
7 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Uneven surface |
- |
- |
15 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
21 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Road |
- |
29 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Road |
- |
33 |
Male |
WA |
Collision |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
Dirt |
- |
49 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Sand |
- |
49 |
Male |
WA |
Other |
Working |
No |
- |
Mud |
- |
51 |
Male |
NSW |
Collision |
Working |
- |
Ditch |
- |
- |
53 |
Female |
NT |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Road |
Vehicle being towed |
57 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Working |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
59 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Working |
No |
Ditch |
- |
- |
67 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
67 |
Male |
WA |
Collision |
Working |
No |
Uneven surface |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
68 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Grass |
Container attached to vehicle |
69 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
75 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
75 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
78 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
81 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Working |
No |
Incline |
Grass |
Seated sideways |
85 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Working |
- |
- |
Mud |
- |
2014 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
9 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working (bystander) |
Yes |
Incline |
Dirt |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
12 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
12 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
23 |
Male |
NSW |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
25 |
Male |
NSW |
Collision |
- |
- |
- |
Gravel |
- |
26 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
27 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
40 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
49 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
Grass |
- |
53 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Uneven surface |
- |
- |
54 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
59 |
Female |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
64 |
Female |
TAS |
Collision |
Working |
No |
- |
Road |
Trailer attached to vehicle |
67 |
Male |
NSW |
Other |
Working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
69 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
2013 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
5 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working (bystander) |
No |
Ditch |
- |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
11 |
Female |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
16 |
Male |
NSW |
Collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
21 |
Female |
QLD |
Collision |
Working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
21 |
Male |
QLD |
Other |
Non-working |
No |
Ditch |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
23 |
Male |
TAS |
Other |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
25 |
Male |
NSW |
Collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
26 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
27 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Uneven surface |
- |
- |
28 |
Female |
QLD |
Other |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
35 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Road |
- |
35 |
Female |
QLD |
- |
Non-working |
- |
- |
- |
- |
38 |
Male |
VIC |
Other |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Road |
- |
43 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Working |
Yes |
- |
Dirt |
- |
45 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Object mounted on vehicle |
53 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
59 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
60 |
Female |
WA |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
- |
60 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
- |
66 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
70 |
Male |
QLD |
Other |
Working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
86 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
2012 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
4 |
Female |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Grass |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
7 |
Female |
SA |
Other |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Sand |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
11 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
Gravel |
- |
13 |
Female |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
18 |
Female |
QLD |
Collision |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
Sand |
- |
18 |
Female |
WA |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Sand |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
19 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Non-working |
Yes |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
42 |
Female |
QLD |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
- |
47 |
Male |
TAS |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
Incline |
Dirt track |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
51 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Working |
No |
- |
Gravel |
- |
54 |
Male |
NSW |
Other |
Working |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
56 |
Male |
WA |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Gravel/rocky |
- |
58 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Gravel/rocky |
Trailer attached to vehicle |
63 |
Female |
TAS |
Collision |
Working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
67 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
73 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
- |
- |
- |
76 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Non-working |
- |
- |
Grass |
- |
78 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel/rocky |
- |
2011 quad bike fatalities
Age |
Sex |
State |
Type of incident |
Activity |
Helmet worn1 |
Terrain |
Reported ground surface1 |
Possible weight imbalance2 |
4 |
Male |
QLD |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
11 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
11 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
- |
22 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Sand |
- |
34 |
Female |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
39 |
Male |
VIC |
Collision |
Non-working |
Yes |
- |
Gravel |
- |
42 |
Male |
ACT |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
- |
Dirt |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
55 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
57 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
57 |
Female |
TAS |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Ditch |
- |
- |
62 |
Male |
QLD |
Collision |
Working |
- |
- |
Dirt |
- |
65 |
Male |
NSW |
Other |
Working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
66 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Gravel |
- |
67 |
Male |
NT |
Collision |
Working |
No |
Ditch |
- |
- |
68 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
70 |
Male |
TAS |
Collision |
Non-working |
No |
Incline |
Dirt |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
78 |
Male |
SA |
Other |
Working |
- |
Incline |
Gravel |
Passenger(s) on vehicle |
79 |
Male |
NSW |
Rollover |
Working |
- |
Incline |
- |
Container attached to vehicle |
84 |
Male |
SA |
Rollover |
Non-working |
- |
Incline |
- |
- |
94 |
Male |
VIC |
Rollover |
Working |
No |
Ditch |
- |
- |
1 Helmet and ground surface information is based on information provided police and or coroners reports.
2 Safe Work Australia has designated a potential weight imbalance when the following factors are mentioned in coroners and police reports: more than one rider on bike, towing trailer, supplementary weight on bike (e.g. drums containing liquid chemicals). This is Safe Work Australia’s judgment only and does not necessarily represent any verdict handed down by a coroner.
3 Case status as listed on the National Coronial Information System as at 7 June 2013. Closed cases will not be updated.
Summary of quad bike fatalities (2001–2010)
- Almost one-third (29%) of quad bike fatalities occurred on terrain where an incline was noted by investigators (36 out of 125 fatalities)
- Almost half (44%) of quad bike fatalities occurred on uneven ground
- Just under half (47%) of quad bike fatalities involved a primary rollover (59), with 63 non-rollovers (collisions/thrown from quad) and three cases undefined)
- A potential weight imbalance (e.g. through carrying spray tanks, cargo, passengers, towing heavy trailers,) was noted for one-third (44) of the quad bike fatalities
- In 15% (19) of quad bike fatalities the rider was wearing a helmet, 46% were not wearing a helmet and in 39% of fatalities it was unknown if a helmet had been worn or not
- 50% of the quad bike fatalities occurred while the deceased was riding Non-workingly, 46% occurred while the deceased was working and the remainder were undefined
- A total of 82% (102) of the quad bike fatalities were males. Of the 23 females who have died, 8 were passengers on the quad bike
- Children under the age of 16 were involved in 19% (24) of the fatal incidents
- None of the 125 fatalities mentioned any form of rollover protection on the vehicle
Note: Information provided by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health & Safety.
Analysis includes all known Quad bike fatalities where the date of death occurred between 2001 and 2010.