CPSC Announces Proposed Rules For Recreational Off-Road Vehicles

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address safety hazards associated with Recreational Off-road Vehicles (ROVs).

CPSC staff’s preliminary evaluations indicated that the vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics, and inadequate occupant protection during a rollover crash.

The review of ROVs, sometimes called utility vehicles or side by sides, by the CPSC was initiated by numerous incidents related to the Yamaha Rhino including a number of deaths. (CPSC distinguishes between ROVs and utility vehicles with the former operating at speeds over 30 mph and the latter under 30 mph) The CPSC conducted tests from November 2008 to January 2009.

The ROV manufactuers, through the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA), proposed their own standard in December 2008 but this was rejected by the CPSC, as they found preliminarily…

Based on the continuing deaths and injuries involving ROVs and a review of the draft requirements currently proposed by the ROHVA, CPSC staff believes that the proposed voluntary standard will not adequately address the deaths and injuries associated with ROV rollovers and collisions. Additionally, there are many safety features or characteristics that can be incorporated on ROVs to make them more stable and safer to use.

The CPSC identified three key areas of ROV design that impact safety:  static stability factor (SSF),  vehicle handling and occupant  retention and protection.  One change the CPSC has talked about with the ROHVA is having vehicles meet a specific SSF value.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

CPSC Memorandum

Bad Boy Buggies Recall

Bad Boy Buggie Standard Model Being Recalled

Yesterday the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Bad Boy Enterprises, announced a voluntary recall of the company’s Bad Boy Buggie Standard model. The company has received 32 reports of the vehicles accelerating without warning, which in some cases resulted in injuries. The recall affects models with serial numbers between 85004828 and 95010404. The serial number is located on a sticker in a cubby on the driver’s side. the vehicles were sold between June, 2007 and July, 2009. Consumers should immediately stop using the vehicles and contact their Bad Boy Buggy dealer for a free repair. For additional information, contact Bad Boy Enterprises toll-free at (866) 678-6701 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit their website. Learn more: CPSC.gov

Update: Originally the company tried a software patch to fix what they thought was the problem.  While this did reduce instances of the problem, the did not completely solve it.  The company will now be installing a zener diode chip into vehicles as a remedy.  the process should take less than an hour ,and even if you already have the software patch you should still have the new chip installed. Learn more:  Natchezdemocrat.com

Bush Hog Utility Vehicles Recalled

Recalled Bush Hog Utility Vehicle

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission Bush Hog has voluntarily recalled their TH4400 (Trail Hand) and 4430 4X4 Off-Road Utility Vehicles.  According to the CPSC:

The utility vehicle’s throttle cable can lock in freezing temperatures. This can cause the engine not to return to idle when the driver takes his or her foot off the accelerator pedal, posing a risk of loss of vehicle control and injury to the driver and passenger.

The recall includes approximately 850 vehicles sold from April to December 2008.  Consumers should stop using the vehicles and bring them into a dealer for a free inspection and repair.  As an incentive for bringing in the vehicles Bush Hog is offering a $50 check.  Learn more:  CPSC

Yamaha To Recall & Suspend Sale Of Rhino Utility Vehicles

Yamaha Rhino 660 without doors installed

Yesterday, Yamaha, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall and suspension of sales of their popular Rhino utility vehicle so dealers can make appropriate repairs.  The action affects all the Rhino 450, 660 and 700 models sold since the fall of 2003.  Consumers are urged not to use the vehicles until repairs have been made.

According to the CPSC:

CPSC staff has investigated more than 50 incidents involving 46 driver and passenger deaths in these two Rhino models. More than two-thirds of the cases involved rollovers and many involved unbelted occupants. Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.

The recall involves an estimated 145,000 vehicles:  120,000 of the model 450 and 660 Rhinos  and  25,000 of the model 700.

Repairs to the vehicles are designed to improve handling and reduce the chances of rollover and include inserting a spacer on the rear wheels and removing a rear anti-sway bar.  Additional hand holds and half doors will also be installed, if they have not been already.  Yamaha can be reached at 800-962-7926 or www.yamaha-motor.com.

Learn more:  CPSC