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CPSC to address rising death toll on recreational off-highway vehicles
October 23rd, 2009 by Wendi Lewis
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that it intends to further its commitment to improve the safety of Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries nationwide that are related to these vehicles. The commission voted to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address safety hazards associated with vehicle ROVs.
According to the news release, the CPSC staff’s preliminary evaluations indicate that the vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics, and inadequate occupant protection during a rollover crash. The staff reviewed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) draft proposed American National Standards for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles, ANSI/ROHVA 1-200X and “found preliminarily that it does not adequately address the deaths and injuries associated with ROV rollovers and collisions.”
In a statement issued by CPSC Oct. 21, Chairman Inez Tenenbaum says, “The need for federal rulemaking on ROVs is the consequence of not having a voluntary standard that effectively safeguards consumers. I have reviewed numerous death and injury reports tied to ROVs and I believe CPSC can play a vital role in making them safer. While we work on new safety rules for ROVs, I urge all riders and passengers to strap on a helmet, use the seat belt, know the terrain, and never allow anyone under 16 to drive these vehicles.”
During the ANPR process, the CPSC is inviting the public to submit written comments regarding the risks of injury associated with ROVs, and suggestions for ways in which these risks could be addressed. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication of the ANPR.
Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov.
