Rhinos Are Just Plain Dangerous

Mike Bryant

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 555

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Previously, I wrote about the Rhino recall. Since that time, I've been doing a lot of reading about these things. Members here at the Injuryboard have documented the problems and issues with the joy ride. I've even looked at a couple of the injuries the machines have caused. While I enjoy many of the speed machines out in the world, these things just seem to be very dangerous.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning to all riders. Pointing out for all riders:

• wear their seat belt properly every time,
• strap on their helmet every time,
• 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, and
• only operate off-road—the Rhino is not designed for use on public roads or paved surfaces.

The reason for the warning: As of June 23, 2009, CPSC staff has received reports of nearly 60 fatalities involving the 450, 660 and 700 models of the Yamaha Rhino. A number of very serious injuries have also been reported, including injuries to the head and neck, and incidents requiring surgical amputation of victims’ arms, legs, and fingers. Many of these cases appear to have involved rollovers at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.

As an example, CBS news reported:

Keisuke "Casey" Yoshida, president of a U.S. subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., was behind the wheel of a Rhino prototype. Ike Miyachi, a company vice president in charge of Rhino development, rode beside him in the passenger seat. After descending a long hill to flat ground, the Rhino tipped over, giving Miyachi a foot injury.

Hopefully, everyone using these things will do so safely and follow all of the safety suggestions.