CPSC looking at off-road vehicle safety

WASHINGTON — In an effort to improve the safety of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries nationwide, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to address safety hazards associated with vehicle ROVs.

CPSC staff’s preliminary evaluations indicated that the vehicles may exhibit inadequate lateral stability, undesirable steering characteristics and inadequate occupant protection during a rollover crash. The staff reviewed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) draft proposed American National Standard for Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles, ANSI/ROHVA 1-200X and found preliminarily that it does not adequately address the deaths and injuries associated with ROV rollovers and collisions.

The ANPR invites written comments from the public regarding the risks of injury associated with ROVs and ways in which these risks could be addressed. Following publication of the ANPR, the public will have 60 days to provide comments to the Commission. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov.