As the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) shows in an evaluation, the risk of injury for quad drivers in a collision is ten times higher than, for example, for drivers. “Above all, the driving characteristics and operation of the quad, paired with high spirits, mean that many young drivers have serious accidents,” explains the accident research of the insurer (UDV) in the analysis.
FOCUS Online contacted a quad provider in the Portuguese resort of Algarve. Many tourists would choose the mode of transport. The vehicles are particularly lucrative for young people. Depending on the size and engine, a quad costs between ten and 40 euros per day. Cars, scooters and motorcycles are many times more expensive. “E-bikes are cheaper, but less fun.”
What is the most common cause of accidents?
According to the Portuguese dealer, the most common cause of accidents is that inexperienced drivers do not know the roads in the holiday destination. Potholes cannot be recognized immediately at night. In addition, young people would try in their cockiness to overtake mopeds or scooters. They would be surprised by oncoming traffic.
It is particularly common for drivers to brake too late in corners or to steer too hard. As a result, the drivers lose control, the quad tips over and the drivers come off the lane. If you do not wear a helmet, it is life-threatening.
It is true that such cornering accidents can also happen to inexperienced scooter drivers. By building a quad, however, it is so that it is easier to tip over sideways in sharp bends. “Quads have a top speed of a maximum of 45 kilometers per hour,” says the provider.
The information corresponds to the findings of the German Insurance Association. In the latest study, which was published in 2013, the authorities point out that almost every ninth accident (85 percent) in Germany can be traced back to the quad driver’s own fault. The main reason is that the drivers are inexperienced and cocky. Due to the very short wheelbase, quads also react “nervously to steering impulses”. It is unclear how often deaths have occurred in Germany so far.
Why are quads so dangerous?
“Quads have special driving characteristics that take some getting used to, especially for quad newbies, and are also not comparable to those of other vehicles such as bicycles or cars”, writes the ADAC. Serious accidents would therefore often occur “especially with inexperienced drivers”.
The ADAC also confirms that curves are a frequent cause of accidents. Quads would often have low-pressure balloon tires. This means that quads react with a time delay during steering maneuvers. This is fatal for inexperienced drivers. You would give in too much and then lose control.
In order to be able to drive a quad, interested parties need at least an AM driver’s license. This means that the vehicles are also approved for young people aged 16 and over. Larger and heavier quad models require a driver’s license.
You have to pay attention to this with quads
If travelers want to rent a quad on vacation, they should definitely follow the safety instructions of the rental company. To get used to the vehicle, it is worth booking a group day trip with the quad first. Travel guides know good and safer routes so that those interested can gain their first experience at walking pace. It is a kind of training.
In Germany, a helmet is compulsory for quads with a speed of 20 kilometers per hour or more. However, if seat belts are worn, a helmet does not have to be worn, according to the ADAC. Drivers should be proactive and only drive on routes recommended by experts.
Drivers should not consume alcohol or drugs before starting their journey. In addition, the quad should stop if visibility is severely restricted due to rain or darkness.