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Feds Probe Yamaha Rhino ATV

Thirty deaths, hundreds of lawsuits plague popular off-roader

By Truman Lewis
ConsumerAffairs.com

November 5, 2008

The Yamaha Rhino has been a big hit with off-road enthusiasts but a series of fatal accidents is making it a hit with personal injury lawyers and federal regulators as well.

At least 30 people have died in Rhino accidents and hundreds have been injured, according to federal statistics. Hundreds of lawsuits are pending as a result.

The two-seat vehicle resembles a cross between a golf cart and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It's a popular design that enthusiasts say makes the Rhino fun to drive but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating whether stricter regulations are needed to make the Rhino safer, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Because of its unique design, the Rhino isn't subject to ATV safety standards, which aren't exactly five-star anyway. A recent report found that for the eighth year in a row, serious injuries caused by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) increased in 2007, and children under age 16 continued to suffer a significant portion of those injuries.

ATVs • ATV Injuries and Deaths Among Children Decrease • Feds Vote to Regulate 4-Wheel ATVs • Growing Number of Adults in ATV Accidents • Yamaha Halts Sales of Rhino ATVs Pending Repairs • Feds Probe Yamaha Rhino ATV • ATV Injuries and Deaths Continue to Rise • ATV Deaths, Injuries Climbing • All-Terrain Vehicles Not Child's Play • CPSC Warns Meerkat 50 Youth ATVs Defective and Dangerous • Pressure Builds For Tougher ATV Rules • Doctors Want Children Banned from ATVs • Feds Take Closer Look at ATV Injuries and Deaths • Five Worst Summer Jobs --- • Recalls

Instead of classifying it as an ATV, the CPSC calls the Rhino a "utility terrain vehicle," or UTV. There are no official standards for UTVs, but that may change as the safety agency continues its probe.

The Rhino falls into what the CPSC calls the "emerging hazard" category -- a niche sometimes created by crafty manufacturers who find ways to work around existing safety regulations.

The Rhino, for example, has a steering wheel instead of the handlebars usually found on ATVs. That and other relatively minor differences leave it in category limbo -- neither car nor ATV -- and thus unregulated and unlicensed.

Since they're not regarded as cars, UTVs don't need licenses and can generally be operated by anyone, including children, which is a large part of the problem as regulators and consumer advocates see it.

"Every year, more and more families are devastated by deaths and injuries caused by ATVs. This tragic problem continues to be in dire need of an aggressive and immediate solution," said Rachel Weintraub, Director of Product Safety for the Consumer Federation of America.

Yamaha says the criticism is unwarranted and insists the Rhino is safe. Accidents are caused by careless operation and ill-advised modifcations, such as removing the roll cage and failing to use a helmet and seat belt.

Unlike ATVs, which are used almost entirely for recreational riding, the Rhino and other UTVs are often used for such utilitarian chores as hauling gardening and maintenance supplies. The first Rhino models were introduced in 2003, offering such new conveniences as bucket seats and a steering wheel. Some even have doors. A base model costs about $11,000.

ATV dangers

While the Rhino may not be an ordinary ATV, it's still no toy and parents should not let children or adolescents treat it like one, experts warn. Here's what consumers have told us about ATVs, in their own words:

tom of jackson, TN August 16, 2009

My 36 year old son was a victim of the Rhino. He was a passenger traveling at estimared speed of 12-15 mph. My 38 year old son in law was driving. They were making a gradual left turn on absolutely flat terrain. Suddenly the Rhino flipped for no apparent reason. Results; compound fracture to fibula, tibia and broken hand. Now after 2 years and 8 surgeries he is still unable to work. Lost his job; lost health insurance, lost new home, permanently disabled, permanently disfigured, hasn't worked since July of 2007. Now he has a Staph infection.

Sometimes the collateral damage caused by an accident is worse than the accident. Oh, by the way because of this incident his wife recently filed for divorce. The accident occured in the middle of a hot summer day. No drinking no drugs no horseplay. The rhino is a death trap.

Cynthia of Fairview, NC March 1, 2009

Cynthia of Fairview NC (03/01/09)
My son, 15, was driving an ATV on someone else's property along with some other boys. He came aroud a corner and a 18 yr ld boy driving a dirt bike hit him head on and he died almost instantly. He was not wearing a helmet and we will always wonder if he would've, if he would stil be here for us. He had been driving for years and didn't realy know the dangers. He owned a helmet and my last words were Where's your Helmet

A piece of my hisband and my heart are gone along with his brothers and sisters

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