Yamaha Rhino Riders Should be Extra Careful, CPSC Warns

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning owners of Yamaha Rhino recreational off-road vehicles to be extra careful in order to avoid severe injuries caused when the four-wheelers suddenly flip over, even when they are being driven at slow speeds on flat ground.

The Rhino is a very popular model of off-road vehicle that has been controversial for years. The CPSC said it has received reports of about 60 deaths involving the 450, 660 and 700 Rhino models. People driving or riding in the vehicles have been killed or suffered severe injuries to the head and neck as well as broken arms, legs, and fingers, the CPSC said.

Hundreds of personal-injury lawsuits have been filed against Yamaha on behalf of people from across the United States who were injured or killed in Rhino accidents.

With summer now in full swing and more people riding Rhinos all over the United States, the CPSC said the number of deaths and injuries associated with the vehicles is sure to rise if riders are not extra careful while driving.

“Even though (recreational off-highway vehicles) have a roll cage and seat belts, CPSC urges all riders and passengers to remain vigilant about safety before hitting the trails and while off-roading,” the CPSC said today in a warning posted on the commission’s website.

Rhino Owners Should Have Safety Repairs Made

Earlier this year, Yamaha offered some Rhino owners a free vehicle repair and safety helmets in an effort to stem the increasing number of accidents and deaths. Owners of the Rhino 450, 660, and 700 models were eligible for the safety equipment giveaway.

Yamaha offered to install new equipment on about 145,000 Rhinos, a move that was designed to prevent rollover accidents which are the most common type of accident blamed for causing deaths and injuries. The CPSC is now advising Rhino owners who qualify for the safety upgrades to take Yamaha up on its free offer.

“We urge every owner to act now to bring their Rhino into a Yamaha dealership for the free upgrades,” the CPSC advisory said. “CPSC believes that in order to provide a safer ride, all Rhinos must have half-doors, additional passenger handholds, spacers on the rear wheels, and the rear anti-sway bar removed.”

The CPSC said Rhino drivers should leave their vehicles in the garage until the safety repairs are made.

Rhino Safety Tips

Drivers and passengers on Yamaha Rhinos should be mindful to abide by the following safety rules in an effort to reduce severe injuries and deaths associated with the vehicles, the CPSC said.

• Always wear a seat belt properly

• Always wear a helmet

• Follow on-product warnings

• Never remove the half-doors

• Never allow a child younger than 16 to drive

• Never allow a child to be a passenger if he/she is unable to place both feet on the floorboard with his/her back against the seat

• Only operate off-road, since the Rhino is not designed for use on public roads or paved surfaces

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