by NRA Staff - Friday, January 9, 2015
Yamaha, Polaris and other off-road vehicle manufacturers are calling on hunters and off-road enthusiasts to stand up and resist potential new Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) mandates for off-road, side-by-side vehicles.
The proposed CPSC "rule" would require manufacturers to make arbitrary design changes to all future side-by-side vehicles—changes that the companies have found would lead to future off-road vehicles with reduced steering response, reduction in ground clearance, and more restrictive driver and passenger restraint and seatbelt systems.
The manufacturers have allied with the Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) to reach out to the CPSC, in hopes of coming together to develop ongoing safety improvements for all off-highway vehicles. Thus far, however, they've had no luck in working with the CPSC. Some are concerned that the proposed mandates will unnecessarily limit design freedom in the off-road industry and negatively impact off-road customers. Side-by-side manufacturers have already developed and adopted robust voluntary standards that have been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
"As an off-road community, we have a tremendous challenge in front of us," said Paul Vitrano, VP, global government relations for Polaris. "As a unified community, we can protect our right to design, build and ride for today and the future."
Concerned parties are being asked to reach out to Congress, and voice their opposition. You can send a letter to your local representative using this form, provided by Americans for Responsible Recreation Access. Opinions can also be voiced on the CPSC contact form, available here.
For more information, go to StopTheROVMandate.com.
