Washington, D.C. – We are disappointed that the FY 2016 Omnibus spending bill included a controversial policy rider impacting the safety of consumers who ride on Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). Even though there was wide spread opposition to this provision from doctors, some insurance companies, consumer and public health organizations. Congress included a holiday gift to the special interests seeking to stop the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from moving forward on a rule to make ROVs safer. The CPSC’s proposed rule for ROVs seeks to strengthen the voluntary standard by effectively addressing key issues that pose potential hazards to consumers, including lateral stability, vehicle handling, and occupant protection

Based on data collected by CFA and our partners, from January 1, 2013, through December 15, 2015, there were at least 211 ROV fatalities. The CPSC’s staff is aware of 335 deaths and 506 injuries related to ROV crashes spanning from January 2003 to April 2013.  The death and injury data shows a need for swift action rather than more delay.

The rider not only prevents CPSC from moving forward on the rule but also conditions resuming work on the rule upon completion of an unnecessary National Academy of Sciences study that CPSC must pay for. There are other, more critical, product safety priorities that this money could address.

We hope that this provision will be overturned to enable CPSC to protect consumers from the hazards posed by ROVs.

Contact: Rachel Weintraub, 202-387-6121

CFA is an association of more than 250 nonprofit consumer groups that was founded in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy and education.