|
A large number of serious or fatal auto accidents involve
motorcycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), last year more than 50,000 motorcyclists
were injured and 3,276 motorcyclists died in motorcycle accidents.
Moreover, the NHTSA reports that motorcycle accidents are
particularly devastating - an estimated 80% of all motorcycle
accidents result in serious injury or death, compared to the
20% injury and fatality rate for passenger vehicle accidents.
There have been numerous reports of what is commonly referred
to as "high-speed wobble" (or "tank-slapper")
accidents involving Harley-Davidson motorcycles. High speed
wobble motorcycle accidents typically involve shaking or instability
in the front end of the motorcycle when traveling at high
speeds. In some cases the front wheel of the motorcycle can
thrash from side to side causing the driver to lose control
of the vehicle. Reports suggest stability problems with the
FLH series of Harley-Davidson, also known as the Electra Glide,
Road King and Ultra Classic, which are widely used by law
enforcement officers nationwide. Some observers have attributed
the problem to an offset between the front and rear tires. To visit our Harley Davidson motorcycle defect website click here.
All-Terrain-Vehicles (or ATVs) are four (sometimes three)
wheel motorcyle-like vehicles made to navigate rough terrain
at speeds as high as 70 mph. ATV have become extremely popular
and sales have climbed 89% within the past five years, overtaking
the sale of light pickup trucks. However, as sales have risen,
so too have the number of serious injuries and deaths related
to ATVs. The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
reports that 357 people died in ATV crashes and more than
110,000 riders were injured in 2002. More than a third of
injuries have been children under age 16. The rise in sales
and use may not explain the high incidence of injury and death.
The CPSC is currently investigating allegations of safety
problems. However, to date, the CPSC and consumer groups have
not found or cited any design flaws with ATVs, and have expressed
that injuries and deaths are probably the result of "behavior
problems" in how people ride them.
Some critics have argued that ATV manufacturers
have failed to market and sell their products responsibly.
Some ATV manufacturers and dealers have been criticized for
making marketing pitches that revel in the speed and power
of ATVs. Some ATV manufacturers and dealers have also been
criticized for marketing adult size ATVs to children, and
have failed to adequately educate consumers on the ATV safety.
Such criticism has resulted in a move for greater government
regulation.
Kawasaki ATVs Recalled:
Safety agency says vehicles have potential steering control problems; free repairs available.
08/02/2005 - Kawasaki Motors has recalled about 155,000 all-terrain vehicles due to possible steering control problems, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.
Consumers should stop using the recalled vehicles -- Kawasaki's Prairie and Brute Force ATVs, model years 2001-2005 -- immediately, the consumer safety group said in a statement, and contact an authorized Kawasaki ATV dealer to arrange for a free repair.
Registered owners will be notified directly by Kawasaki about the recall, the CPSC said.
A significant impact to the front tire while the steering wheel is fully turned either way can result in suspension damage and an eventual loss of steering control that the Commission said could result in injury or death.
Forty-two reports of ball joint separation and three injuries have been reported to the CPSC.
Kawasaki previously recalled the Prairie 700 4x4 in March 2005 because the age recommendation warning label was missing, according to the statement.
The following Kawasaki ATV models are included in the recall: Prairie 300, Prairie 300 4x4, Prairie 360, Prairie 360 4x4, Prairie 400, Prairie 400 4x4, Prairie 650 4x4, Prairie 700 4x4 and Brute Force 650 4x4.
They were sold at Kawasaki dealers nationwide from August 2000 through July 2005 for $4,400 to $7,400.
The model numbers can be found on the identification label located on the frame of the ATV. "Prairie" or "Brute Force" is printed on each side of the vehicle's gas tank. (from CNN News)
|
