Polaris RZR

Since 2007, the Polaris Industries Ranger RzR 800 EFI has become the leading side-by-side alternate terrain vehicle (ATV) for sale in the United States, ousting the longtime best-selling Yamaha Rhino. The Ranger RzR is smaller and faster than competing side-by-side ATV (also referred to as UTV) models, with a manufacturer’s claimed top speed at 55 miles per hour. The Ranger RzR also boasts a low center of gravity, which is desirable in creating stability and safety at high speeds.

Potential Hazards of ATVs

Since 2007, the Polaris Industries Ranger RzR 800 EFI has become the leading side-by-side alternate terrain vehicle (ATV) for sale in the United States, ousting the longtime best-selling Yamaha Rhino. The Ranger RzR is smaller and faster than competing side-by-side ATV (also referred to as UTV) models, with a manufacturer’s claimed top speed at 55 miles per hour. The Ranger RzR also boasts a low center of gravity, which is desirable in creating stability and safety at high speeds.

Potential Hazards of ATVs

In 2007, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 150,900 people were treated in emergency rooms due to injuries suffered during ATV accidents, besting the previous year’s total by more than 4,000 people to make it the highest number in recorded history. In 2006, the CPSC reported that there were 750 reported deaths from ATV accidents, while there were 882 estimated deaths. Between 2004 and 2006, an average of 771 deaths were reported, while an average of just less than 140,000 people were admitted into hospital emergency rooms because of ATV accidents.

The greatest hazard of ATV recreational vehicles is their propensity to roll over at high speeds on unlevel and unsafe terrains. When a rollover occurs, the driver and passenger can either be trapped underneath the vehicle or they can be thrown from the vehicle. In light of these numbers, Polaris has always implied that the Ranger RzR ATV is less prone than the models of other manufacturers to this kind of accident, because of the lower center of gravity. Only released in 2007, the Polaris Ranger RzR has not been in production long enough for any statistics to be collected regarding the model’s accident history.

In 2008, Polaris Ranger RzR models R08VH76AD and R08VH76AG were recalled due to a fuel tank can leak, which had nothing to do with the possibility of a rollover, but because it was a burn and fire hazard to the drivers. Additionally, there were problems with and complaints about the RzR’s seatbelts, however it was a matter of convenience and not safety.

Preventing ATV Accidents

• In many accidents involving ATVs, the victims are children. Children under the age of six should not operate ATVs under any circumstances.
• Teenagers and children under the age of 16 should not operate full- or adult-size ATVs.
• When operating smaller or juvenile ATVs, children and teenagers must adhere to all operational rules and should never stray from designated ATV trails, and should never operate the vehicles on paved surfaces or public roads.
• ATV drivers under the age of 16 should also only use ATVs that are equipped with throttle-limiters in order to avoid excess speed. These drivers should also use highly visible flags indicative of their identity.
• Anyone operating an ATV should be wearing helmets and protective equipment approved by U.S. Department of Transportation. This includes goggles, knee and elbow pads, facemasks, and chest and leg protection.
• Before operating an ATV for the first time, any prospective driver should take an ATV safety course, as should any parents of prospective drivers. Information on safety courses and educational material for drivers of all ages are available at www.atvsafety.org.

The Newsome Law Firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys are “ATV accident” attorneys. They are experienced in dealing with personal injury cases stemming from a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents, including accidents involving ATVs. If you or someone you love has been injured in an ATV accident, contact the Newsome Law Firm today. Simply fill out the handy case evaluation form on the right of the screen and one of our experienced personal injury attorneys will advice you of your legal rights and help you get the compensation you deserve.