Quad Safety

Quad Safety - Rollover Prevention

Rollovers kill and seriously injure more quad riders than any other type of incident. Rollovers cause more than half of quad deaths. On average, 13 people die in Alberta every year while riding quads.1 Almost 600 people are admitted to hospital2 and almost 5,000 go to emergency departments for treatment.3

NOTE: Quads are defined as 4-wheeled, motorized vehicles with low-pressure tires. They have a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, and handlebars for steering control. Side by sides are not considered on this webpage.

What's the risk?

Quads built for adults can weigh anywhere from 400 to 800 lbs. (180 to 360 kg). You don’t want to end up underneath an overturned quad. Of the 83 people who died when their quad rolled over:1

  • 35% died from head or neck injuries
  • 14% suffocated
  • 10% died from chest injuries
  • 10% died from multiple injuries
  • 9% died from blunt force injuries
  • 3% drowned after rolling the quad in water.

Quad injuries: By The Numbers

(annual average)

13

DEATHS

600

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

5,000

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS

Why do quads roll?

Quads are built with a high centre of gravity. This allows them to travel over rough terrain, but it also makes them tip over easily. Quads roll from riding up, down, or across a hill that is too steep, from overloading the quad with passengers or cargo, or from driving too fast. Even riding on level ground and turning too sharply will cause a rollover.

How to ride without a rollover.

Follow these steps to keep your quad upright:

  • Practice active riding
  • Ride the right sized quad
  • Don’t ride double
  • Consider adding an Operator Protection Device (OPD)

And to prevent all types of quad injuries:

  • Ride Sober
  • Wear a helmet

For more details see Preventing Rollovers - Information for Riders.

Spread the word about preventing quad rollovers.

    • TOPIC SUMMARY: Quad Safety (8.5x11) (in development)
    • Preventing Rollovers - Information for Riders [Download]

 

Have questions?

Contact us for more information about Quad Safety.

Get social.

Use these hashtags on social media to discuss quad safety.

#QuadSafety #ATGAAT

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The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs, and research stations are primarily located on the territory of the Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway / Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit nations.

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