However, the NSW Government is concerned with the number of serious injuries and deaths being reported as both operators and passengers fail to wear the vehicle’s inbuilt lifesaving feature — a seatbelt.
Since 2017, 14 people have been killed in side-by-side vehicle incidents in NSW. A seatbelt was not worn in all 14 fatalities.
Roll-over, ejection and collision have caused death and serious injuries to side-by-side drivers and passengers ranging from experienced operators to young workers, farm visitors and children aged under 16.
A roll-over protective structure, also known as a roll cage, is designed to protect the driver and any passengers from being crushed by the vehicle if it rolls.
However, this may be giving farmers and vehicle operators a false sense of security.
“The roll cage alone simply cannot protect you or your passengers in a roll-over if you are not wearing your seatbelt,” Safework NSW’s Andrew Gavrielatos said.
Roll-over incidents are not the only cause of serious injury and death, with reports of occupants being ejected from the vehicle.
“Like in any moving vehicle, the force of inertia from turning, braking or collision is very strong,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
“You do not need to be travelling at a high speed for a change in motion to propel a driver or passenger, causing injury.
“Without a seatbelt to keep you secured in your seat, there is a high risk that you could sustain a fatal or serious blunt force trauma injury from being thrown out of the vehicle, hitting your head on the steel frame of the roll cage or being thrown through the windscreen.”
Safety is everyone's responsibility, and each individual should follow manufacturers' recommendations to wear both a seatbelt and a helmet when travelling in a side-by-side vehicle.
“Putting a seatbelt on should become a habit. It takes less than two seconds and could cost you your life if you don’t,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
Support is available with free training and safety rebates.
Eligible farmers and their workers can attend free side-by-side vehicle and quad bike training courses through Tocal College.
Both courses are nationally accredited and are designed to help improve operators' safety skills, hazard and risk identification, and vehicle maintenance skills.
The training is tailored for both experienced and inexperienced farmers, with a focus on navigating dangerous situations, difficult terrain and obstacles.
“Everyone will get something out of the training and participants will go home with a free helmet,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
If you own or operate a farm in NSW, or work on one, you may also be eligible for a safety rebate.
Farm owners can receive up to $2000 for the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle, helmets, quad bike roll bars and drones. Farm workers can receive up to $90 for the purchase of a helmet.
For more information on side-by-side vehicle safety, free training and rebates visit safework.nsw.gov.au or call 131 050.
