AN APPEAL to farmers to start wearing helmets when driving their quad bikes will be the focus of Scotland Rural College’s stand at Dumfries Agricultural Show this weekend.

Staff on the SRUC stand will be promoting a series of key messages on the importance of wearing a helmet and other simple rules on the safe use of ATVs to reduce the risk of injury or fatality.

SRUC Barony Campus Dean Dave Roberts said: “Farming still has a high number of accidents and there is a danger that we can become complacent with activities that are undertaken on a daily basis – such as the use of ATVs.

“Our ‘Be Safe on ATVs’ initiative will stress that all ATV riders should always wear a suitable helmet when riding a quad bike.”

SRUC will highlight its ATV safety initiative immediately after NFU Scotland launches its overarching ‘Health and Wellbeing in the Farming Community’ campaign earlier in the day at the show. Local South of Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper will visit the SRUC stand for the launch of the helmet safety drive.

Ms Harper said: “I am thrilled to see this project moving forward and action being taken by SRUC and NFUS to promote helmet safety on quad bikes – especially as they are two of the most influential organisations within the Scottish agricultural sector.”

Apart from the need to wear a helmet, SRUC will be recommending a series of steps to reduce the risks from using ATVs, including:

· carry out safety checks and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations

· secure loads on racks and make sure they are not over loaded and evenly balanced;

· stick to planned routes, where possible, and walk new routes if necessary to check for hidden obstructions, hollows or other hazards;

· take extra care with trailed or mounted equipment and understand how they affect stability;

· make sure all riders receive adequate training.

SRUC runs a series of safety training courses at its Barony Campus.