It may happen on a small incline, perhaps on the way home after a day's work thinking about something else. Most farmers going through a tricky patch or riding up or down a steep hill are concentrating.
Bikes take energy and skill to ride. Adult bikes at least need a certain weight to work correctly and the rider to know how to balance their weight when riding such vehicles. And they can weigh a quarter of a tonne.
The jury still seems to be out on roll over bars but much of what is being said about safety is true. Do the courses, wear the gear, follow the manufacturers instructions.
That goes for all users - both recreational and work. Kids on bikes is another matter, and kids on bikes by themselves is an issue at the sharp end of this discussion. One of the fatalities these holidays was a 16-year-old and one of the injured was a six-year-old girl.
Of course no one should be hooning round drunk on bikes at night with a child on board, as was possibly the case with the six-year-old passenger who remains in an induced coma in hospital.
But our familiarity with ATVs - both in the town and country - has bred a contempt for their danger.
Some progress has been made such as the design change which did away with footrests and replaced them with a platform. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the old Department of Labour, is now making on-farm inspections and training courses are far more available and popular.
But this holidays' accident toll shows much more needs to be done.
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