One of the best selling all terrain vehicles (ATV) available today, the Yamaha Rhino is continually raising concern for its questionable safety. Made available to consumer for the first time in 2003, the Rhino is being blamed for several life threatening injuries, as well as fatalities. Though questions continue to be raised in regard to the safety of the Rhinos’ design, Yamaha has not admitted any fault pertaining to this ATV, and thus it is still available to consumers for purchase.

The height of the Rhino is disproportionate to its narrow wheel base making it top heavy and prone to rollover incidents. As a result of the growing number of cases being reported, Yamaha has offered to install small plastic door to the sides of the Rhino in order to prevent drivers and passengers from putting limbs outside the ATV in the event that it begins to roll. Also, they have offered additional plastic handles available for installation free of charge. Amendments have been made to the Yamaha Rhino Owner’s Manual since its original release including a section about how to steer an ATV that is believed to be rolling, as well as more specific information about the types of factors that may increase the likelihood of a rollover crash.

Legal action has been taken by several parties, including those who have been involved in accidents in addition to the families of those who have been severely debilitated or killed in a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident. Several consumers affected are speaking out against the questionable safety of the Rhino and asking that the manufacturers take responsibility for their faulty design.

When using an ATV safety precautions should always be taken, such as wearing protective gear and responsibly operating the vehicle. Nothing is more senseless than a preventable death.