Yamaha Rhino Rollover » seat belts

Yamaha Rhino ATVs recall issued for two models

Scott Thomas — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:52:26 +0000

All Yamaha Rhino 450 and 660 model vehicles were recalled for repairs designed to prevent accidents that resulted in 46 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The reported deaths occurred between the fall of 2003, when the vehicles were first distributed, through this year.

More than two-thirds of the incidents were rollovers. According to the CPSC many of these involved turns on level ground at relatively slow speeds. A number of incidents also involved riders not wearing seat belts.

The repairs are designed to reduce rollover risk, as well as to improve handling and keep riders’ limbs inside the vehicles.

Rhino 450 and 660 owners should stop using these vehicles and call their local dealer to schedule an appointment for repairs. They can also receive a free helmet.

Sales of these vehicles have also been suspended for repairs.

This is the first government recall of this category of recreational vehicle.

For more details, call Yamaha at 800-962-7926.

SOURCE: The Associated Press

SOURCE: Yamaha Rhino Rollover › Yamaha Rhino ATVs recall issued for two models

Community grieves girls’ death

Emily Marsh — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:23:56 +0000

In the midst of Southern Trails in the Lewisburg area, flowers rest where two friends named Emily Bates and Lauren Dilworth died in a Yamaha Rhino accident. According to the DeSoto Times, many people were alarmed after their deaths.

The ATV flipped on the road and pinned the two girls’ bodies; both girls were not wearing seat belts, which may or may not have made a difference in their lives.

After he discovered the accident, Milton Kuykendall, Superintendent of Education in Lewisburg, said, “Life can change in an instant. We are so sorry for their families and friends. There is no greater sadness than losing a child.”

The girls’ teachers considered Bates and Dilworth, both sixth graders, to be “excellent students.” Lewisburg Middle High principal James Brady said about Dilworth, “She was very well-liked by her peers and loved by her teachers.”

Levi Williams, principle of Southaven Middle School said about Bates, “She was an exceptional soccer player, playing on two Southaven recreational leagues, and a member of the SMS band.”

James Wheat, a friend of Bates, can only pray for the two families, considering both girls were very young.

A memorial service was held for Dilworth on October 21st while a service was held for Bates on October 22nd. The families desire any memorials for the girls be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

SOURCE: Yamaha Rhino Rollover › Community grieves girls’ death

Girls die in yamaha rhino accident

Emily Marsh — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:17:09 +0000

October 18 marks two more deaths involving Yamaha Rhinos. According to DeSoto Times, two 11-year-old girls, named Lauren Dilworth and Emily Bates, were not wearing protective gear or seat belts, which were installed in the vehicle, when the 2005 ATV overturned and pinned the two girls’ bodies.

Lauren Dilworth and Emily Bates were riding the Yamaha Rhino in the Lewisburg area when the tires are believed to have caught on the pavement, resulting in its overturn.

Both girls’ torsos and heads were injured during the crash; Dilworth died on the scene while Bates died in the emergency room.

DeSoto County Sheriff, Bill Rosco, believes the accident may have been avoided if the Yamaha Rhino would have remained off the road as state law requires.

With the history of Yamaha Rhinos causing countless accidents, you can’t know for sure.

SOURCE: Yamaha Rhino Rollover › Girls die in yamaha rhino accident