SxS debate, CPSC to Regulate ROV Utility Vehicles
ROV (Recreational Offroad Vehicle), Side by Side, SxS – how ever you want to say it you know what I am talking about. The CPSC is at it again, conjuring up rules and regulations concerning these machines. I have read the entire CPSC memo and here are my opinions on the bullet points presented in the memo. The regulations center primarily around the “questionable” stability of these machines, as tested using two tests used to evaluate stability and handling characteristics of automobiles and trucks.lateral stability tests (SSF) static stability factor, vehicle handling test (SAE J266, dealing with under steering and over steering). The CPSC also made recommendations on passenger retention systems and as well as technology to encourage use, I am assuming they mean starter interlock devices and 4 point harnesses.
Also in the memo the ROHVA (Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association) had submitted their own “self regulating” voluntary guidelines concerning a few of the issues.
From the ROHVA’s proposal.
“The ROHVA representatives presented an outline for a voluntary standard that included requirements for vehicle configuration, service and parking brake performance, and lateral and pitch stability.” - Lateral Stability, requires the following: that all ROVs, in a fully loaded configuration with occupants and cargo, laterally tilt up to 20 degrees on a tilt table without lifting off …”
CPSC response to the ROHVA’s submitted proposal.
“ROHVA continues to propose low tilt angles as a lateral stability. In particular, CPSC staff expressed concern regarding a proposed requirement for a 20 degree tilt angle for a fu!ly loaded vehicle. CPSC staff suggested that ROHVA consider NHTSA’s use of a vehicle’s SSF to describe lateral stability and discussed the possibility of using an SSF greater than 1.0 as a minimum lateral stability requirement for ROVs.”
Reading the entire memo will help put these excerpts into context.
Warning, my opinion
Shocking as it may seem I agree with the recommendations of regulation on the design of side by sides that the CPSC outlines in the memo. They (the recommendations) will make the design of a side by side safer to operate, IE. wider track, passenger protection, and passenger restraint systems. This whole stability debate hearkens back to the controversy in the early 80’s with the AMC Jeep CJ5, it was finally killed off and redesigned into the YJ Wrangler and TJ of the present. Both those models featured a wider track, lower center of gravity, passenger protection and better passenger restraints. What I don’t agree with is the whole idea that there needs to be regulation in the first place. I contest that a good share of deaths or injuries related to side by sides are due to operator error or using the the machine outside of its design ed capabilities. Take a look at all the youtube videos that feature a side by side in a crash or roll over, nearly all of those examples could be prevented with a more skilled driver or taking into account the terrain and speed of the machine. The CPSC memo is very clear and to the point of the problem they are trying to address, unlike the recent “lead ban” debacle. The memo says nothing about the ban, import halt or limiting of sales of side x sides, again unlike the lead ban issue.
This is just one person with limited experience with ROVs opinion, maybe I am right maybe I am wrong, or maybe I am missing something. You can voice your own opinion in the ATV Forum or at the bottom in the comments.
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Filed Under ATVs, Featured, Industry Insiders, UTVs, Uncategorized
Tagged: ATV, ban, CPSC, lead ban, rov, side by side, sxs, UTV
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