Kids and ATV Rollover Injuries

On February 14, 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released preliminary statistics indicating at least 555 people, including 100 children, died in all-terrain (ATV) accidents in 2006. CPSC officials indicate that the number is expected to grow as further information is received from coroners and hospitals nationwide. In addition, the CPSC indicated that an additional 146,600 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries suffered in ATV accidents-over a quarter of who are children. Most of the deaths and injuries to children occurred when kids were riding on adult-size ATVs.

Consumer advocates are quick to point out that pursuant to a voluntary agreement between the ATV industry and the CPSC, major ATV distributors are supposed to require dealers not to sell adult-size ATVs to people who might allow children to ride on them. However, very few dealers actually abide by this rule.

The CPSC has been considering regulations that would lift current restrictions on the engine size of youth ATVs, allowing manufacturers to build bigger vehicles for children. The CPSC would also require the installation of equipment to limit the maximum speed of the ATV, depending on the age of the rider. The regulations have been pending for over two years, and faces heavy opposition from consumer groups and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

To view the CPSC report in its entirety in pdf format, click on the following link: http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/atv2006.pdf

ATV Rollover Lawsuits Affect Yamaha Profits

Last month, the Los Angeles Times published an article entitled “Kicking Up Sand in Side-By-Sides” highlighting the growing popularity of “side-by-side” all terrain vehicles (ATVs). The article refers to the Yamaha Rhino as, “the iPod of the recreational side-by-side set.” The side-by-side design is becoming increasingly popular among ATV enthusiasts, particularly among couples and those with children. The article gives conflicting information about the safety of the side-by-side vehicles; it says they are “…generally perceived as less dangerous than ATVs, or quads.” However, in another section of the article covering safety tips, it mentions that “they have a much higher center of gravity (especially the four-seaters) and can tip and roll more easily.” For further information on the dangers of the Yamaha Rhino, click here.

Also in the news…Yamaha is posting it’s first profit drop in eight years. According to Bloomberg News, the company’s U.S. unit is taking a one-time charge of 15.5 billion yen to cover the potential costs of lawsuits involving the Yamaha Rhino. 15.5 billion yen is approximately $145,000,000. To view the Bloomberg article, click here. To view an informative article about Yamaha’s response (or lack thereof) to design problems with the Rhino, click here.

Thanks for reading. If you have any comments or questions, please leave a response to this posting. If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a Yamaha Rhino ATV, please contact us for a free, confidential evaluation of your case.