Off-Road Vehicles in the Spotlight

With all the attention on toys, Toyotas and Tylenol, you might be surprised to learn that some of the most dangerous and commonly recalled products are in the Mortorsport and Utility Vehicles category.  In fact, in 2009 alone, recalled products in this category caused nearly 50 deaths , more than any other recalled product type.

While many kinds of vehicles, from golf carts to snow mobiles, are included in the Motorsport and Utility Vehicles category, the majority of injuries and deaths reported at the time of recall were attributed to All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Recreational Off-highway Vehicles (ROV or ROHV), the latter of which are also known as Utility Vehicles (UTV) or “side-by-sides.”

ROVs differ from ATVs in that they have a steering wheel, bench or bucket seats, seatbelts, foot controls, and a roll cage.  According to Wikipedia, UTVs are designed for a specific task such as a maintenance vehicle, but they are growing in popularity as a purely recreational vehicle.

UTVs, ROVs, and ATVs are all associated with numerous fatalities and injuries every year.  The CPSC already has voluntary standards for ATVs and is currently working on standards for ROVs.  In the meantime, recalls will continue as safety defects are discovered.  Sadly, it seems these recalls often occur too late.   For the Motorsports & Utility Vehicles product category, there were about 200,000 units recalled in 2009.  This averages out to approximately one death for every 4,000 recalled units!

Aside from the deaths associated with recalled products – in other words, products with identified safety defects – evidence shows that these types of vehicles are inherently dangerous.  Although that may not be an earth shattering statement, the numbers are alarming.  The CPSC reports that in one month, April 2010 alone, there were media reports of at least 40 ATV fatalities, including 12 children under the age of 16.  In another study covering the 2003-2005 period, ATV-related deaths peaked in July when 76 adults and 23 children were killed.

In April 2009, the CPSC began requiring ATV manufacturers and distributors to offer free, hands-on training through their dealers to first-time purchasers and age appropriate members of their immediate families within a reasonable time from purchase.  However, knowing these ATV guidelines provided by the CPSC will also go a long way toward staying safe.  Many of these basic rules also apply to UTVs and ROVs.

• Take a hands-on safety training course.
• Always wear protective gear – especially a helmet
• Do not drive a single-rider ATV with a passenger, or ride as a passenger.
• Do not drive ATVs on paved roads.
• Do not permit children younger than 16 to drive or ride adult vehicles.
• Choose an age-appropriate vehicle for your child.

Have a good time and remember to always be safe!