An inquest into the death of an 86-year-old American, which took place on Achill Island, County Mayo, in June, has led a coroner to insist again that all quad bikes should be equipped with anti-roll bars. The American, Michael J Gallagher from Sausalito, California, suffered multiple injuries and subsequently died after his quad bike drove into a drain near Purteen Harbour on the 30th of June.
Mr Gallagher was on his way to a sea angling trip with pals after visiting his relative in Achill. His quad bike, however, rolled over and led to the accident. Pat O’Connor, who retired as the mayo district’s coroner after giving his last ruling, claimed that there have been many fatalities involving quad bikes during his tenure. Majority of the incidents involved quad bikes that lacked anti-roll bars.
He posited that manufacturers should install anti-roll bars on quad bikes to prevent such fatalities, a recommendation he had made before. Mr O’Connor highlighted that his previous suggestion faced significant backlash in Australia when his opinions were made public. He, nonetheless, believes that a strict requirement for anti-roll bars could minimize the number of injuries and deaths related to quad bikes.
The coroner stated, “I am adamant that these deaths could be preventable.”
He opened and adjourned Mr Gallagher’s death’s inquest. The main inquest hearing, where more evidence will be given and a ruling made, was deferred to a later date.
From California, Mr Gallagher’s relatives described him as someone who had a passion for food, wine, people and the sea. As described in his obituary in the San Francisco Chronicle, Mr Gallagher led a life filled with thrilling adventures and was embarking on another fishing journey when he breathed his last.