| The Yamaha Rhino 660 & 700 are two of the | | | | nationwide, Rhino riders have been killed or seriously |
| most exciting and invigorating off road vehicles ever | | | | injured. For example, on February 24, 2008, two |
| released. These unique machines can be used as a | | | | separate fatal accidents occurred within hours of |
| utility vehicle, plus they also have incredible off road | | | | each other at Imperial Sand Dunes recreation area in |
| capabilities. When they were first released in 2003, | | | | Southern California. In both cases, passengers were |
| the Yamaha Rhino 660 blew people away with its | | | | killed after being ejected from their Rhino. |
| ability to go places that seemed out of reach of a | | | | Many of the Yamaha Rhino deaths have been of |
| utility vehicle capable of carrying 2 people and 400lbs | | | | children. While every accident involving a Rhino can |
| of cargo in its mini truck bed. The Rhino quickly | | | | pose a risk of serious injury, when a child is riding, the |
| proved itself as being as off road capable as some | | | | injuries have often been more severe. Children have |
| of the best ATV's around. | | | | been thrown from the Rhino and died after it landed |
| As fun and exciting as these vehicles are right off | | | | on top of them. |
| the factory floor, aftermarket companies such as | | | | In injury lawsuits filed against Yamaha, people have |
| aFe, K&N and ProTec have invented a plethora | | | | charged that the Yamaha Rhino side-by-side seat |
| of products such as cold air intakes and exhausts to | | | | configuration contains multiple design flaws rendering |
| produce more horsepower and faster speeds. | | | | it dangerously unstable and prone to tipping and rolling |
| Suspension upgrades are also common purchases as | | | | over even when driven on flat ground at low speeds. |
| well as better seats and bigger mirrors. | | | | These defects include a top-heavy design resulting in |
| But with such powerful machines comes hazards. | | | | a high center of gravity, and a dangerously narrow |
| Injuries have plagued users of Rhino's since they | | | | track width. Together, these design flaws make the |
| were released. The injuries typically are broken or | | | | Rhino unduly prone to tip and roll over. |
| crushed legs, ankles or feet. In some cases, the | | | | Even with the danger factor, people continue to rush |
| injuries were so severe as to require amputation. In | | | | out to buy bigger and faster Rhino's every year. |
| certain cases, Rhino rollovers have even led to | | | | Caution is the golden rule when operating any UTV |
| deaths. | | | | and the Rhino is no exception. Learn the nuisances of |
| The Rhino seats the driver and passenger next to | | | | your vehicle before attempting maneuvers that you |
| each other. It has been speculated that the Rhino is | | | | are not accustomed to doing. Drive defensively as |
| less dangerous than Yamaha ATVs (All Terrain | | | | we are taught to drive our automobile and you |
| Vehicles) or quads. The perception that the Rhino | | | | should be able to enjoy your Yamaha Rhino for |
| provides a safe means of enjoying off road | | | | years to come. |
| recreation does not match the reality. In accidents | | | | |