Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle
Association Urges CPCS Comments
From a press release issued by the ROHVA...
IRVINE, CA (2/2/2010) - The
Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA)
is calling on enthusiasts and industry representatives
to submit comments by March 15, 2010 in response
to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC) proposed mandatory standards for Recreational
Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs), also known as side-by-sides
and UTVs.
ROHVA previously expressed disappointment with
CPSC's October 2009 vote to issue an Advanced
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) for mandatory
ROV standards. ROHVA believes this action is premature
because an American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) process to develop standards for ROVs had
long been underway. Since that time, the process
has been completed and the proposed ANSI standard
is under final review. Components of the standard
include protective gear requirements, a certified
roll-over protective structure, a minimum of three
point seatbelts for each seating position, and
multiple lateral stability criteria.
ROHVA has created a web page - www.rohva.org/anpr
- for enthusiasts and industry representatives
that contains explanations of ROHVA's position
on ROV standards and links to important documents.
The page also contains a link and other resources
to facilitate stakeholders' submission of comments
on the CPSC's ANPR.
"ROV stakeholders need to be heard on whether
the appropriate next step to establish ROV standards
is moving forward with CPSC-imposed mandatory
federal standards or instead gaining experience
under the ANSI standards and promoting the ROV
Safety Rules available at www.rohva.org,"
said Paul Vitrano, ROHVA executive vice president.
The ANSI standard development process involves
a variety of interests including CPSC and other
government representatives, industry, consumers
and others. Participants reach a consensus on
an appropriate ANSI standard for ROV equipment,
configuration and performance requirements.
ROHVA has met several times with CPSC staff in
an effort to address their concerns about the
ANSI standard.
"ROHVA appreciates the Commissioners' and
CPSC staff's interest in and willingness to discuss
key technical issues, and our dialogue has been
productive," Vitrano said. "While there
is agreement between CPSC and ROHVA on many aspects
of ROV standards, there continues to be disagreement
over some important technical issues, including
vehicle stability, vehicle handling and occupant
protection and retention."
Vitrano concluded, "It also should be noted
that the overwhelming majority of ROV operators
and passengers use the vehicles safely and responsibly
and benefit from the unique recreational and utility
capabilities of these vehicles."
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
is a national industry organization that promotes
the safe and responsible use of ROVs. ROHVA is
accredited by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) to develop equipment, configuration
and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif.,
the not-for-profit association is sponsored by
Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha. For more
information visit www.rohva.org.
About the ATVA:
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Motorcyclist Association, is the only national
organization devoted exclusively to fighting for
the rights of ATVers. More members mean more clout
to fight to protect your right to ride. To join
the ATVA, call (800) ATVA-JOIN, or go to www.ATVAonline.com.
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