Yamaha Rhino and Utility Terrain Vehicle Report

On March 27, 2009 a group of safety advocates and victims issued a report shedding light on the alarming problems with Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and highlighting in particular the Yamaha Rhino. If anyone has seen these vehicles, they are not traditional ATVs, and to me at least, resemble golf carts on steroids. The report sets out 38 deaths, many of which are believed to have occurred in Yamaha Rhinos. These Rhinos have also accounted for catastrophic injuries including the loss of limbs and other severe injuries.

The report calls for the installation of partial doors, roll cage cushions and netting on all UTV vehicles. This is due to the high numbers of prior injuries or deaths caused by limbs or bodies exiting through openings in the vehicle due to its lack of doors, roll cages etc.

The report also requests standards for a seatbelt system, alleging that many injuries are due to the alleged defective seatbelt system on the Rhino. The report also calls for regulations regarding handling and stability, and makes recommendations specific to the Rhino. While I have not handled one of these cases yet, I have reviewed documents concerning the design of the Yamaha Rhino and I would agree, that in my opinion, the vehicle is unreasonably dangerous and defective due to its defective design, consisting of its failure to include doors on the earlier models, and its high center of gravity on a narrow wheel base, which is a recipe for a rollover. Obviously, any time your roll a vehicle of any type over, you could be injured or killed. If you own one of these vehicles, sell it or be very careful.