Wales YFC News

For the second year in a row, thanks to the kind generosity of Quad Bikes Wales, Wales YFC is offering its members the chance to win the use of a brand new quad bike for a year.

Back again this year the ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) Challenge seeks to promote the use of farm safety practices amongst Wales YFC Members. To be in with the chance of winning, members have been tasked to create a short 1 minute ‘ATV Safety Advert’ focusing on Quad Bike Safety for Agricultural use and complete a short questionnaire.

Promoting and encouraging safe on farm practices is a commitment Wales YFC holds to its members and is strengthened by our inclusion with the Wales Farm Safety Partnership group. Agriculture is the UK’s most deadly industry – 134 farm workers have died in the last 5 years.

Sadly, Beca Glyn, Wales YFC member and Chairman of Ysbyty Ifan YFC, Eryri knows all too well the consequences of not following farm safety measures following a serious accident on a quad bike in March 2018 in which she sustained a fractured skull, neck and major bruising.

Now, after a long nine month recovery period but still living with the aftermath of the accident with her medical team unsure whether Glyn will ever regain her sense of taste, smell and ability to sleep through the night recognises that she is very lucky to be alive.

 “I’ve made huge progress, but I also know that if I had been wearing a helmet and undertaken training on driving an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) safely, I may not have ended up in hospital at all.”

Now acting as an advocate for farm safety in Wales, Beca Glyn is determined to raise awareness of farm safety and the risks associated with agricultural work.

“Almost everything we do on the farm has associated risks, from handling animals to operating machinery and from dealing with pesticides to driving tractors and ATVs, but provided you have had training, you will know what steps to take to reduce the risks of accidents.”

Competitors must hold either a full Driving Licence or Tractor Licence, which a copy/image is required to be emailed to Wales YFC along with a copy / image of their certificate of competence in ATV Handling.

Sam Marvin of Quad Bikes Wales, the Honda authorised dealer for South Wales said:

“Quad Bikes Wales are glad to be supporting Wales YFC Competition again in 2020. Good luck to all members taking part” 

Top tips for driving an ATV safely   

• Make sure all riders receive adequate training
• Always wear a suitable helmet
• Don’t carry passengers (unless the quad bike is designed for passengers)
• Children under 13 years old are prohibited from using an ATV at work. Over-13s should only ride ATVs – of an appropriate size and power – after formal training on a low-power ATV
• Carry out safety checks and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, e.g. regularly check tyre pressures, brakes and throttle
• Secure loads on racks and make sure they are not over-loaded and evenly balanced
• Take extra care with trailed or mounted equipment and understand how they affect stability
• Stick to planned routes,where possible and walk new routes if necessary to check for hidden obstructions, hollows or other hazards

Video entries to be sent to Sian Thomas (sian.thomas@yfc-wales.org.uk) via email or WeTransfer by Tuesday 24 November 2020.