Stability and Maneuverability Problems of ATVs

All-Terrain Vehicles, usually called ATVs, are small motorized vehicles operating on three, four, or five low-pressure, high flotation tires that are “designed” for off-road use on a variety of terrains. As the use of these ATVs increased through the 1980's, the number of accidents resulting in serious injuries and deaths associated with A N use increased dramatically. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) along with other surveys have estimated that one out of every 25 ATVs being used will be involved in an accident requiring professional medical attention.

These problems led to the federal government working out an agreement with the major manufacturers of these vehicles. One aspect of the agreement was that there would be safety and stability standards that all ATVs would have to meet to be sold in this country. An analysis of some of the safety, steering, and stability problems of ATVs is presented along with an examination of the current American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) standards for ATVs.