Personal Injury Law

Dangerous ?UTV? Recall Following 46 Deaths

Yamaha Motor Corporation, the manufacturer of Rhino off road vehicles, has recalled the same because of safety issues associated with its Rhino 450, 660 and 700 models. Owners of these Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) are being warned not to use them until certain repairs are made. The repairs that will be made to the vehicles include the installation of a spacebar on the rear wheels as well as the removal of an anti-sway bar which repairs are supposed to reduce the chances of rollovers.

According to a press release issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been over 46 deaths involving Rhino 450 and 660 models. Of the rollover related deaths and injuries, which have been reported to the CPSC, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds on level terrain. The repair program being announced by the Yamaha Motor Corporation is designed to reduce the chance of rollover but unfortunately, the number of deaths and injuries associated with the use of this product indicates that it is dangerous because of its overall design.

Critics of the ATV charge that the Rhino is top heavy. It has tires that are narrow. The vehicle offers little or no protection for passenger legs in the event of a rollover. Most of the victims of Rhino rollover accidents that survive experience crushed or broken legs, ankles or feet. In some cases, people have been left permanently disabled or have undergone amputations. When children are involved, deaths appear in greater frequency.

Technically, vehicles like the Rhino are not classified as an All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) because of design differences such as having a steering wheel in contrast to an ATV?s handlebars. Nonetheless, despite this design difference, the Rhino functions as an all-terrain vehicle like many other classes of off road vehicles.

Any one operating an ATV or Utility Terrain Vehicle (also known as a UTV) obviously should always wear their helmets and should exercise extreme caution. As stated, there are many cases involving these vehicles at low speed on level terrain, so the danger is paramount, particularly when children are involved. Simply stated, UTVs and ATVs are dangerous vehicles for anyone, particularly the young, and the 46 deaths announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission should be sufficient warning to the public that these vehicles are not toys but rather are dangerous vehicles that should be respected as such by anyone who decides to use these products for recreational purposes.

Full post as published by Georgia Injury Lawyer Blog on April 09, 2009 (boomark / email).