State Laws Allow Children to Operate Controversial Rhino, Other ORVs
By Jim Greene
Published on December 29, 2009
News about personal injury lawsuits concerning Yamaha Rhino off-road vehicle (ORV) rollover accidents has people thinking about a number of related safety issues, including state laws that allow children to operate ORVs.
A survey of state laws conducted by the National Association of OHV Program Managers (NAOPM) and published on the Web site of the National Off-highway Vehicle Conservation Council shows that 20 states have no age restriction for ORV operation. Some states have restrictions on younger operators, such as the engine displacement size, supervision by an older licensed driver or completion of a safety course.
States' ORV Minimum Ages Vary Widely
Two states set the minimum at 8 years old, four states at 10 years old, seven at 12 years old, four at 14 years old, one at 15 years old, and five at 16 years old. The remaining states' age minimums vary, depending on other conditions.
Officially, Yamaha recommends ORV use only by licensed drivers at least 16 years old, although the statement is difficult to find on the company's Web site. Other ORV manufacturers also publish cautionary statements, although Honda actually markets small ORVs specifically designed for young children.
Adult Guidance Crucial to Safe Operation
Because ORV usage is not as closely regulated by state laws as the use of vehicles on public streets and highways, the responsibility for safe operation by younger riders falls on parents and other family members. Safety courses available to both young and adult riders are important, as is proper vehicle maintenance and safety equipment.
No matter how careful you are, you or a loved one may still be the victim of an ORV accident, such as a Rhino rollover. Critics say that Rhinos and some other ORVs have design flaws that create a potential for accidents, even under good driving conditions. If you've had such an accident, you need an experienced defective products attorney on your side to fight for the financial compensation you deserve to help you recover.
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