Yamaha Motor Corporation’s Rhino all terrain vehicle (ATV) has been linked to hundreds of injuries and deaths according to consumer groups who say that the vehicle is defectively designed and has a greater chance of rolling over. Yamaha has yet to recall the vehicle – which has frustrated consumer groups and owners alike.

ATV fatalities increasing

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that the number of ATV-related fatalities is increasing. In a February 2008 report, the CPSC said that there have been 8,104 ATV-related deaths between 1982 and 2006 and approximately 29 percent, or 2,342, of those involved riders that were under the age of 16. It also reported that the number of new fatality reports increased by 916 from 2002 to 2006 – as well as the overall serious nature of ATV injuries. In fact, there were approximately 141,000 emergency room cases reported in 2006 – up from 130,000 in 2005. To see the CPSC’s report, go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/atv2006.pdf.

Is the Rhino more dangerous than other ATVs?

Consumer advocate groups think so. They claim that the Rhino is top heavy and has very narrow tires – causing it to roll over when going through turns. They also claim that its design doesn’t adequately protect a passenger’s legs or arms – resulting in broken or crushed legs, ankles, feet and arms – and that in some cases, amputation is required.

The Rhino, introduced in 2003, hasn’t been recalled – frustrating consumer advocate groups and owners of the vehicles. In 2006, Yamaha did send out letters that warned consumers about the vehicles propensity to roll over during sharp turns. In 2007, the company offered to modify its Rhino 660 and Rhino 450 all-terrain vehicles by adding doors and handholds to “help keep occupants from sticking arms and legs out of the vehicles in response to a side rollover.” However, consumer groups say that these actions are not enough and believe that a recall of the Rhino is long overdue.

Lawsuits filed

Many lawsuits have been filed against Yamaha alleging that the Rhino is fundamentally unstable due its design defects. In fact, the company’s website, www.yamaha-motor.com, acknowledges that “abrupt maneuvers or aggressive driving have caused rollovers – even on flat, open areas.”

If you or a loved one has been injured while riding the Yamaha Rhino, contact an attorney whose practices focuses in this area of the law. For a free, no obligation consultation with a qualified attorney, please click here.