Personal Injury Law

Yamaha Rhino ATV: Are they Safe?

By Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.

Basic Information on the Rhino ATV
After all of the accidents and injuries caused by use of the Yamaha Rhino ATV, one can't help but wonder if the product is safe. Studies have shown that poor design of the All Terrain Vehicle cause most rollovers. Such accidents have notoriously resulted in serious injury for both ATV drivers and passengers and in some tragic cases, have even led to the death of children. According to its critics, the Yamaha Rhino ATV has a high center of gravity due to its narrow bottom and top-heavy design, which makes the vehicle more prone to rollovers. The majority of the reported injuries affected the victims’ extremities, such as their legs, feet, arms and hands.

Rhino ATV Design Flaws and Insufficient Model Modifications
Until Yamaha released its newest Rhino ATV model in 2008, the vehicle lacked doors—an oversight that has triggered multiple accidents. Before this updated model of the Rhino was distributed, Yamaha only offered side doors as an accessory option. However, the inclusion of doors on an ATV is not only necessary, but it seems that even with the doors the Rhino may be unsafe. Some people have reported that the doors have unlatched in the case of rollovers—thereby endangering the passenger just the same.

In 2006, Yamaha acknowledged certain defects of the Rhino ATV, and released safety warnings as a result, such as seat belt and helmet recommendations. Then, in 2007, the company offered to install doors and passenger holds on all 2004-2007 models.

Despite the numerous reported rollovers, Yamaha has yet to acknowledge the flaws inherent within the Rhino ATV’s design and has only issued a recall for the vehicle’s brakes.

Click here to read: ATV Safety Tips

Click here to read: ATV Recalls

Click here to read: Florida Statutes for ATV Use

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on June 10, 2008 (boomark / email).