The Yamaha Rhino ATV (all terrain vehicle) is a popular choice for those who enjoy outdoor recreational activity. The dangers of ATVs, however, are becoming more widely known. Billed as fun vehicles the whole family can enjoy, ATVs are being criticized more and more by many groups. Some of the noted groups speaking out against the dangers of ATVs include the American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe Kids Worldwide and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Two Hidden Dangers of ATVs the Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know About

ATV Designs are Flawed: One of the leading dangers of ATVs, such as the Yamaha Rhino, is in its very design. Designed to fit in the back of a pickup truck, the Yamaha Rhino ATV has a narrow wheel base coupled with a high center of gravity. This makes this model and others like it particularly susceptible to tipping over. That is especially treacherous when riding models such as the two-seater Yamaha Rhino. To explain, the Yamaha Rhino ATV is bigger than most models. This means that if it tips over, the injuries are likely to be more severe than those that would occur on lighter models. In the case of children, it can literally crush them to death.

Insufficient Safety Equipment: Most ATVs aren’t sufficiently outfitted with safety equipment. In case of an accident, this can be particularly serious, especially to children. Minors, by their very nature, are prone to riding without safety equipment – even when it is available.

A case in point, the two-seater Yamaha Rhino often has no doors, safety handles or other safety equipment. While the Yamaha Rhino represents free-wheeling fun for youngsters, it is literally a severe accident waiting to happen.

YAMAHA RHINO ATV: Safety Tips for You and Your Child

Control Engine Size: Safety experts advise those with children, particularly, to limit the engine size of any ATV they’re thinking about buying or riding. Engines larger than 90 cubic centimeters in general should not be ridden by children. They’re just too dangerous. Safety Gear: Always suiting up in safety gear such as goggles, a helmet and over-the-ankle boots is one of the best things ATV riders can do. In models such as the two-seater Yamaha Rhino, which often has no doors, this is particularly important.