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String of Accidents for Off Road Vehicles

By Beth Janicek

The Wall Street Journal reports that the federal safety regulators have started investigating the Yamaha Rhino following the report of some 30 deaths involving it. The Consumer Product Safety Commission began investing UTVs, or utility terrain vehicles. These vehicles are designed to go many of the off-road places an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) can go, but with bucket seats and a steering wheel they are also designed with the comfort of a golf cart or mini-car. The Rhino, a UTV manufactured by Yamaha, is one such vehicle that has prompted the Safety Commission investigation.

Yamaha faces over 200 lawsuits in state and federal courts, many alleging the Rhino’s design is unsafe. Yamaha settled some of the suits, but they adamantly stand behind the safety of the Rhino. However, one of the problems may be the narrow design of the Rhino, making it more prone to roll over if driving on uneven surfaces or by taking a sharp turn. In addition, there are no safety standards in place for UTVs. Because of their unique design, the vehicles aren’t governed by ATV safety standards or tougher car standards.

“This is how consumer regulation often works: Products hit the market governed by no particular safety standards. If injury reports later arise concerning a product, these gradually get the attention of both manufacturers and regulators -- often with a spur from lawyers for those injured.”

This quote in the Wall Street Journal acknowledges the good that product liability lawsuits serve in making sure products are safe for consumers. The federal government cannot possibly keep up with regulating all the new products that become available for consumers so lawsuits aid in making these products safer.

In the meantime, there are some precautions anyone using a Rhino or other UTV can take. For example, wear a seat belt and/or helmet, try to avoid turning sharply, and avoid steep hills that might cause the vehicle to roll over. Until more safety standards are available, check out ATV Safety Institute for more safe riding ideas.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on November 04, 2008 (boomark / email).