Investigation Launched Into Deaths Involving Utility Terrain Vehicles

Reports of more than 30 deaths involving a new type of off-road recreational vehicle - utility terrain vehicles - have raised the concern of federal safety regulators. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has now opened an investigation into this currently unregulated category of all-terrain vehicles, new both in terms of size and unique design.

The investigation is focusing on the Yamaha Rhino, which experts have charged with dangerous instability due to design defects. But the federal agency will likely also look at other new off-road vehicles, such as the Polaris Razor, Honda's Big Red, Kawasaki's Mule, and Artic Cat's Prowler. The CPSC has not set safety standards for utility terrain vehicles as it has for all-terrain vehicles, a different class of off-roader.

Gordon, Edelstein has had significant success obtaining justice for those injured because of defectively designed products. If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury while a passenger in, or while operating an off-road, all-terrain or utility terrain vehicle, please contact us for more information.