Parents of young Jocelyn Daguman start petition for better safety regulations for ATVs

There have been more than 20 deaths involving ATVs in Tasmania since 2000 and now a grieving couple have started a petition for tougher regulations around their use. Read what they want.

Julius Daguman and Sonia van den Heuvel parents of Jocelyn Daguman 14 who died after being involved in a quad bike accident in 2023. Launch of an e-petition calling on the government to listen to repeated coronial recommendations for better regulating quad bikes. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The grief-stricken parents of a 14-year-old girl killed in an ATV accident two years ago have told of the pain of losing their “beautiful, popular” daughter as they launch a petition for better regulations for ATVs.

Sonia van den Heuvel and Julius Daguman of Mt Stuart said since the death of their daughter, Jocelyn on February 13, 2023 at Boyer, they had struggled with anxiety, depression and nightmares.

Jocelyn Daguman, 14. Picture: supplied by the family

They have started an e-petition with Greens MLC for Hobart Cassy O’Connor to urge the government to restrict use of ATVs to people aged over 16, for them to be licenced and for seat belts and helmets to be mandatory.

“She was a beautiful girl, very popular at school, above A standard. Her dream was to finish school and work with animals,” Ms van den Heuvel said.

“I’ve been having lots of nightmares about Jocelyn, calling for her to come home and just to be with us, to hold her in my arms.”

Mr Daguman said changes had been recommended by two coroners and action was urgently needed to minimise deaths and injuries from ATV accidents.

“I’m hoping this is a wake-up call to members of parliament, that they should not be delaying this kind of legislation

“We’re hoping that through this campaign, in the name of Jocelyn, we can protect kids in our community.

“I want to save the life of your kids not having like what happened to Jocelyn.”

Mr Daugman said people needed to be aware of the dangers of not wearing seat belts or helmets on ATVs and the couple would campaign house to house and with friends to get signatures on the petition.

“Young kids are happy to ride anything and are not aware of the dangers but these are more dangerous than a scooter because of the farm environment,” he said.

“I’m dreaming every night about Jocelyn. It’s terrible, very sad.”

Cassy O'Connor Greens member for Hobart holding the petition with Sonia van den Heuvel and Julius Daguman parents of Jocelyn Daguman 14 who died after being involved in a quad bike accident in 2023. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms O’Connor said Coroner Robert Webster had described Jocelyn’s death as a “preventable tragedy.”

“She had her whole life in front of her, was precious, beloved, bright and full of promise,” she said.

“Regrettably, there has been a staggering lack of action on the part of this government and her devastated parents want the government to act on quad bike safety to prevent a repeat of the tragedy for other parents and loved ones to suffer.

“The government has a responsibility to legislate for quad bike and ATV safety, preventing tragedies like one that Julius and Sonia continue to suffer, and saving lives.”

Ms O’Connor said more than 20 people have been killed in quad bike or ATV accidents in Tasmania since t2000 and eight years ago, Coroner Simon Cooper reported on his inquest into seven quad bike deaths between 2012-2015.

“He found, overwhelmingly, these deaths could have been prevented,” she said.

“Coroner Cooper recommended the government legislate to require mandatory training and licensing of all quad bike users, and the use of helmets.”

While regulations had been strengthened around ATV use in workplaces, Ms O’Connor said there had been no action taken to improve safety on private properties.

Government Minister Nick Duigan said while coronial recommendations had been “adopted in part” the government was not planning any changes to current laws.

Mr Duigan said people needed to understand how dangerous they were if not used properly.