The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have renewed their appeal not to give quad bikes, scramblers and e-scooters as gifts to children this Christmas.
Provisional statistics from the RSA show there were 50 people killed or injured in collisions involving a quad bike or scrambler on a public road in recent years – 48 percent were 18 or under.
“It saddens me that we have to again remind parents and guardians of the risks that quad bikes, and scramblers pose to children,” said Ms Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of RSA.
“These are vehicles intended to be driven by people who know the risk they pose and who understand the threat when driving on uneven ground. Please think very carefully before gifting a quad bike or scrambler, because as in the hands of inexperienced and unsupervised children there can be a risk of death or life changing injuries.”
Ms Moyagh said e-scooters could also travel at considerable speed and could be high risk in the hands of children.
An Garda Síochána has reminded riders of quadbikes, scramblers and e-scooters that the vehicles must be properly insured, licenced and taxed to be used in public.
Further information on quad bikes is available on the Road Safety Authority website.
