Quad biking safety questioned after 21-year-old suffers horrific injuries

Quad biking safety questioned after 21-year-old suffers horrific injuries
Edited by Travel Weekly


    A 21-year-old suffered horrific injuries while quad biking in Greece – leading some to question the safety of the popular holiday sport.

    British tourist Holly Thomas was left bloodied and bruised after being knocked off her quad bike on the island of Zante. Holly’s accident follows a slew of quad bike injuries abroad, with travel insurers warning tourists to check their policies before hiring any type of vehicle.

    Natalie Ball, managing director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, says that quad biking, along with a range of other adventure activities, is not covered by all travel insurers.

    “Quad biking is a popular adventure activity that is often booked last minute, usually by groups of young travellers. It is also an activity that many insurers exclude,” she said. “Whether it’s a two-wheeled vehicle or four, it’s important to take a minute and consider whether you would be covered if disaster strikes.”

    Ball recommends that travellers think twice before partaking in adventure activities such as quad biking, particularly in South-East Asia, where roads are unfamiliar and driving standards can vary.

    “Consider other activities and modes of transport. The cost of an accident abroad can be ruinous.”

    Ball says that tourists planning to hire scooters and motorbikes should also check their coverage.

    “Scooters are a common way to get around when holidaying abroad but it’s essential to understand the risks involved when riding on foreign roads along with any restrictions that apply to your travel insurance,” she said.

    Ball notes that many Australians are unaware that not all insurers automatically cover the use of a scooter, motorcycle or moped, and strict requirements can apply.

    “Always check to see if your insurance covers you to ride a scooter. Generally, you will only be covered if you have an Australian motorbike license as well as an international driving permit.”

    While a valid standard driver’s license alone might be enough to cover you to hire a motorbike, Ball says this only really applies to low powered scooters.

    “Most Australian travel insurers require you to carry an Australian motorbike license for a scooter over 50cc, and very often an IDP as well,” she advised.

    Quad bike safety tips

    • Wear a helmet: Your brain is important, so protect it. At a minimum, a helmet can reduce your risk of a serious brain injury. Whether it’s compulsory or not, make sure you wear one.
    • Go with a pro: Don’t just hire a quad bike from anyone. Rent from a reputable, licensed commercial operator who will be required to complete relevant safety checks and provide appropriate training.
    • Be sensible: You may consider yourself experienced, but injury statistics say it all. No matter how confident you are on a quad bike, take extra care when riding overseas.
    • Know the rules: Whether you’re hiring a quad or a car overseas, remember that rules differ greatly around the globe. Be vigilant when riding in an unknown area and avoid dangerous terrain.
    • Get travel insurance: Don’t assume that your policy covers you for riding a quad bike, moped or motorbike automatically. Do your research and buy a policy that adequately covers your planned adventure activities.

    Feature image: Facebook 

    Latest News

    • Food & Beverage
    • Hotels

    TV chef Manu Feildel tries his hand at Bistro Red Lion

    Who says Sydney’s dining scene is on the ropes. Despite promising to “never, ever” open a restaurant again, TV chef Manu Feildel is now on pans at a 196-year-old pub in Sydney’s inner west. Owned by the Laundy family, the Red Lion pub will soon be home to Bistro Red Lion by Manu which will […]

    • Aviation
    • Breaking News

    Bonza creditors vote to liquidate embattled low-cost carrier

    Bonza’s creditors have officially moved to call time on the embattled carrier with the result of a vote today seeing the business liquidated. Administrators Hall Chadwick had hoped to either sell Bonza or find a backer to come in with a Deed of Company Arrangement, though no offers materialised in time for today’s creditor meeting, […]

    • Aviation

    Scoot winter sale on economy and ScootPlus tickets

    Aussies looking for their next international adventure can take advantage of Scoot’s Winter sale deals on their Economy and ScootPlus tickets to popular destinations. They are offering discounted economy flights to a range of favourite destinations, including: Athens (from $405 SYD/ $395 MEL/ $399 PER) Osaka (from $335 SYD/$325 MEL/$319 PER) Koh Samui (from $330 […]

    • Attractions

    Sydney International boat show delivers four days of family fun

    Families looking forward to a winter weekend adventure can take to the Sydney International Boat Show for an assortment of boating, sailing, and marine experiences from 1 to 4 August. Returning for its 55th year, the show is the highlight of the international boating events calendar and a popular day for the entire family. Guests […]

    • Cruise

    Aqua Expeditions partners with the Flight Centre Travel Group as preferred supplier

    Luxury small-ship cruise line, Aqua Expeditions, has announced a new partnership with the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), becoming a preferred supplier of the travel agency network. The partnership will allow guests to book Aqua Expeditions’ luxury cruises through FCTG’s network of travel agencies including their flagship brand as well as their luxury-focused brands including […]

    • Hotels

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart set to open in the second half of 2024

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is set to open in the second half of 2024 within walking distance to the CBD, waterfront and Salamanca Place. The new hotel promises to be a standout addition to the city’s hospitality landscape. The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, together with Fragrance Group Limited, will offer guests a blend of […]

    • Cruise

    Celestyal expands in the Arabian Gulf with a second ship from 2025

    Celestyal has announced new programs for 2025, 2026 and early 2027 including an expansion into the Arabian Gulf during the winter season which will see both ships cruising year-round for the first time.   The cruise line’s newest ship, Celestyal Discovery, will chase the sun to the Arabian Gulf for its first winter season from 2025, […]

    • Food & Beverage
    • Hotels

    Vietnam’s Alma Resort welcomes executive chef Alan Rion

    Alan Rion, a seasoned chef with three decades’ experience working for some of the world’s leading restaurants and hotels in Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, United States and Canada has been named Alma Resort’s executive chef. French national Rion has joined the 30-hectare resort overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula to […]

    • Family

    Holidaying families drop a rung in bid to ease cost of living pressures

    Prevailing financial stress and work demands mean people are looking for more cost-effective, flexible holiday options these school holidays, according to research conducted on behalf of BIG4 Holiday Parks. The research found that 76 per cent of Australians cite financial constraints as the primary limitation currently preventing them from travelling. More than half (54 per […]

    • Hotels

    Chief executive officer Dave Baswal to depart Ovolo Hotels  

    Ovolo hotels have announced the departure of chief executive officer Dave Baswal from his role, effective from the end of September. Baswal first joined the company in 2016, initially as director of finance & operations Australia, progressing through roles including COO and CFO, managing director, and ultimately assuming the CEO position in 2022.   During his […]

    • Attractions

    SA’s almost-complete Monarto Safari Park on the market for $50m

    The nearly finished luxury hotel and glamping resort inside Monarto Safari Park in South Australia has been put up for sale Jayco caravan founder Gerry Ryan with an asking price of $50 million-plus. The Australian Financial Review reports Ryan acquired the 65.66ha site, in the Murraylands region 70km from Adelaide, from Zoos South Australia in […]

    • Aviation

    Avis and South African Airways announce partnership after relaunch of flights to Perth

    Car rental company Avis has announced a partnership with South African Airways (SAA) following the relaunch of its Perth to Johannesburg route after a four-year hiatus. “Avis is proud to partner with SAA to provide an integrated travel experience that ensures our customers receive the highest standard of service both in the air, and on […]

    • Cruise

    Crystal signs memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri

    Luxury cruise experience leader, Crystal, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Fincantieri to construct two new, groundbreaking ships. The planned 690-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross tonne ship will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs that ensure unparalleled comfort and indulgence for guests. Ship designs will be led by architectural firms, Studio […]