Gardaí warn parents of quad bike dangers

GARDAÍ in Ballymun have launched an awareness campaign to highlight the dangers to local parents of buying quads, scramblers or mopeds for children.

The campaign launched at the local Safety Forum meeting warns that all vehicles driven on public roads, footpaths and grass areas need to be taxed and insured.

A driving license is also required and drivers need to be aged over 16.

Many Northside areas are disturbed by youngsters driving recklessly around estates and the campaign urges parents not to cave in to pressure form kids at Christmas.

“Parents and guardians are urged to think before they buy that bike for their child,” Gardaí warn.

“Young and inexperienced people driving bikes risk injury, endanger the lives of pedestrians and cause traffic collisions, which can result in court proceedings.”

Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF) attended the Safety Forum meeting where the campaign was launched.

“I want to welcome this initiative by the Gardaí,” she said. 

“Scramblers and quad bikes are a huge issue across Ballymun and Dublin North West as a whole.

“Many people simply do not know the facts around them and it is important to make the public aware.

“These bikes are a huge nuisance to communities,  not to mention the very obvious danger to those who are using them and other road users.

“Most people are very responsible but unfortunately in some cases they are used by anti social elements to cause havoc in areas.

“Parents come under a huge amount of pressure at Christmas time to buy these as presents for their children.

“Unfortunately over the last number of Christmas periods young people have lost their lives as a result of accidents.

“Children as young as five have been seen driving these bikes around local estates.

“The Gardaí are wisely asking parents to reconsider if they are thinking of buying one of these.”