Yamaha Rhino Safety/Rhino Rollover
Yes, they can roll over, as with anything with wheels. Driver error can cause accidents. In the picture to the left my friend drove around in a circle until the Rhino flipped on its side. If you quickly steer towards the way the vehicle is tipping you can steer out of most rollovers. That is if the terrain and surroundings permit.

I flipped my 2007 450 the 3rd time I rode it do to inexperience. The Rhino was in 4 wheel drive (HIGH) going around a turn at low speed and the passenger side front wheel climbed up some bamboo and it flipped over on its side. Lucky my passenger and I were both wearing our seat belts. I was OK but my passenger got a huge bruise on her left leg from that new passenger hand grip thing. After we climbed out we couldn't flip the Rhino on its wheels because it was too heavy. Over 1200 lbs. We had to walk about 50 minutes crossing two small rivers in the foggy darkness back to my friends ranch to get another Rhino with a winch. We drove back and winched the flipped Rhino onto its wheels. Lucky nobody was seriously hurt because we were in the middle of nowhere late at night. It sucked.

The second time I rolled my Rhino I was riding on a thin trail with a 4-5 ft cliff and about 2 feet deep of water on each side. I was going a little too fast and my passenger wheels started to go off the side. I slammed on the brakes and tried to steer back onto the narrow path but it was to late. The Rhino came to a stop and slowly tipped over because my front wheels were turned up towards the trail and we were on an incline. As the Rhino's roof hit the water I was thrown into the passenger side of the Rhino striking my passenger in the face with my shoulder. There was no way I could have hung on. (I was NOT wearing a seat belt) Her head was also submerged in water for a second. She was also holding a little dog in her arms. It was scary. Aside from some scrapes and bruises we were OK and so was the dog.

Note: Long branches or rocks can come inside the cage and hurt you. On unfamiliar trails be careful of "invisible cliffs", where the terrain looks smooth until you are 5ft from a cliff and can't stop. So always know your path. Property owners sometimes put "traps" to stop riders from using trails. (big holes, large rocks, logs) This is rare but can happen.

Common sense will help a lot when riding the Rhino.

Just a reminder: Never ride alone and always wear your seat belts. Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times no matter what! If it is going to go over sticking a limb out ain't gonna stop it so just lean to the center of the vehicle and hang on.

This is from the Rhino Owner's Manual:

While using the Rhino keep your body completely inside the vehicle at all times. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Be sure passenger is seated, belted, and holding on to the handholds. Close doors before driving. Any part of your body (arms, legs, and head) outside the vehicle can be struck by objects your vehicle is passing or crushed by the vehicle cage/frame in a rollover accident.

  • Watch for branches, brush, or other hazards that could enter the vehicle.

  • Abrupt maneuvers or aggressive driving, even on flat, open areas, can cause loss of control, including rollovers. The Rhino has higher ground clearance and other features to handle rugged terrain, and, as a result, can overturn in situations where some other vehicles may not.

    Avoid Rollovers

  • Use care when turning

  • Turning the steering wheel too far or too fast can result in a rollover.

  • Avoid sideways sliding, skidding, or fishtailing, and never do donuts.

  • Slow down before entering a turn and avoid hard braking in a turn.

  • When making tight turns from a stop or at slow speeds, avoid sudden or hard acceleration.

  • Drive straight up and down inclines, not across them. If crossing a hill is unavoidable, drive slowly and turn downhill immediately if you feel the vehicle may tip.

  • Avoid paved surfaces. Turn gradually and go slowly if you must drive on pavement. This vehicle is designed for off-road use only.

    If you think or feel that the vehicle may tip or roll, keep your body completely inside the protective structure of the vehicle: Brace yourself by pressing your feet firmly on the floorboards and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel or handholds.

  • Do not put your hands or feet outside of the vehicle for any reason. Your arm or leg could be crushed.

  • Do not try to stop a vehicle tipover using your arm or leg.

  • Do not operate this vehicle on any public street, road, or highway, even if dirt or gravel.

  • Do not operate the vehicle in fast-flowing water or water deeper than 33 cm (13 in). If you must cross shallow, slow-moving water, choose your path carefully to avoid sharp drop-offs, large rocks, or slippery surfaces. Operating this vehicle through deep or fast-flowing water can lead to loss of control or overturn. To reduce your risk of drowning or other injuries, use care when crossing through water.

    When loaded with cargo or towing a trailer:

  • Reduce speed, operate in low gear only, and allow more room to stop.

  • Avoid hills and rough terrain. Use extreme caution when towing or carrying a load on inclines.

  • Load trailer properly and use extra care when towing or pulling.

  • Do not tow or pull objects from any part of the vehicle other than the trailer hitch bracket or winch (if installed).

    The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI) is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), formed in 1988 to implement an expanded national program of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety education and awareness. The ASI is sponsored by the leading ATV manufacturers.

    These are their "golden rules" for ATV use:

  • Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
  • Never ride on public roads - another vehicle could hit you.
  • Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
  • Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.
  • Supervise riders younger than 16, ATVs are not toys.
  • Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.
  • Ride an ATV that is right for your age.

    • The organization also recommends riders take an ATV Rider Course through ASI. Information is available at www.atvsafety.org or by calling 800-887-2887.

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