Dynamic Testing Is Next Step in CPSC's ATV Passenger Work

Performance handling tests involving single-driver ATVs are likely to be completed in March, CSPC staff wrote in a progress report made available February 25. The text step – with the results expected in late 2016 – will be for the contractor to evaluate the 12 vehicles with riders sitting behind the drivers. Comparison of the two sets of data would allow evaluation of changes in handling due to passengers. Additional testing might occur based on the results of this evaluation, staffers wrote.

The work stems from a project begun in 2014 (PSL, 2/5/14). Since then, the agency had issued results of a pilot study on carrying single or multiple passengers (PSL, 9/15/14) and received comments (PSL, 12/8/14) on the frequency that drivers carry passengers. The new report gives feedback on three issues raised in comments:

• Passenger Prevalence: Two submitted studies that suggested 80%-90% of drivers carry passengers were useful. Otherwise, input was anecdotal and addressed the reasons for carrying passengers. That might be informative, but is not useful in setting estimates. Staffers also emphasized that a few commenters were mistaken in their beliefs that CPSC was intending to ban units designed to carry two people. However, other comments on these "Type II" units were useful as the agency's information was sparse.

 

• Aftermarket Seats: Staffers acknowledged – but did not take sides on – the debate about whether these can help mitigate injuries or risk unintended consequences.

 

• Preventing Passengers: Commenters gave too few details for assessing feasibility. For example, one merely said optimizing seat length was possible. CPSC noted that numerous expressed worry about limiting cargo capacity.

The report (1.usa.gov/21JD5LP) also gives an overview of the 2014 preliminary study.