CPSC Votes In Favor of Mandatory ROV Standards
Posted by
Chrissie ColeOctober 25, 2009 3:30 PM
The CPSC recently voted in favor of mandatory rules to regulate Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs), in an effort to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries nationwide. The vehicles are blamed for more than 100 deaths since 2003, the agency said.
This is the beginning of a process that could take months, maybe even years.
ROV makers contend the vehicles are safe.
“When used responsibly, these vehicles are safe,” the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association said in a statement. In March, Yamaha Corp. recalled 100,000 of its Rhino off-highway ROVs for repairs after two models were linked to 46 deaths over a six year period. In many cases, the riders were not wearing seatbelts, the CPSC said. Additionally, in a number of cases, rollovers happened on level ground at relatively slow speeds.
The two-passenger, four-wheeled vehicles -- also referred to as side-by-sides -- have been on the market since the late 1990s. They've been blamed for at least 150 serious injuries, including crushing injuries to the legs, feet and arms and several amputations.