Death of my Daughter

SXrich · 2007-04-16 22:30:45

I love dirt bikes and all aspects of the sport. I taught my whole family to ride and I clearly understand the benefits and risks associated with this type of activity. I can unconditionally state this because I recently lost my 18-year-old daughter in a desert accident. She was my treasure and I will miss her dearly forever. You need to understand I am not one to pass responsibility on to others. Off-road play is inherently dangerous and we must acknowledge this as part of our sport.

My daughter, an avid dirt bike girl, was driving one of the new off road jeep type vehicles. There are several of these types of vehicles on the market; Polaris Ranger, a Yamaha Rhino, Kawasaki Mule to name a few. My daughter was driving a Rhino in her accident. I do not hold Yamaha responsible but my conscience forces me to get this message out far and wide. With their size and roll bars, these vehicles give an impression of being very safe – certainly safer then a dirt bike or quad. Her accident was on a very flat, clean part of the desert. She was fully strapped in using an improved aftermarket 4-point (verses factory 3 point) restraint seatbelt. The vehicle rolled when she turned it and she was caught between the roll bar and ground.

I’m not opening this for a running debate; I just want everyone to understand that these vehicles are just as dangerous as our other off road toys. I have seen many people riding these with little or no protective gear, children in their laps, people standing in the back etc. Do not be fooled by the “perceived safety”. I encourage you to enjoy this new family of vehicles, but please treat it like a dirt bike or quad where the danger is much more self-evident. Make sure your family and friends wear protective gear! Ride with your children! Learn the vehicles capabilities. Respect these vehicles and play smart.

I beg you to learn from my loss. For each person we can make safer in the future it helps me take a small step forward trying to heal. Thank you for reading this and out of respect please pass it on to any it may benefit.

Rich

mbroyles · 2007-04-16 22:45:52

Thank you for posting Rich. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to you and your family.

max powers · 2007-04-17 04:12:33

Sorry to hear this, I am a firm believer in safety first with these also.
My rules for a rhino owner
#1 full doors, harnessess,helmets
#2 no-one but me drives my rhino(not a toy)costs as much as a car.
you want to drive a rhino, go buy one.

If you can afford it,get a roll bar

that thing on the rhino is not a "rollbar" yamaha will not even call it that.

scubasteve357 · 2007-04-17 08:24:02

i too am sorry for your loss. I am guilty of pushing the limits on these side by sides and normally dont wear any gear. but perhaps i will now.

Badley · 2007-04-17 09:11:24

Sorry for your loss Rich, I hope you and yours will find peace. Thanks for the reminder.

I let my niece drive mine at the dunes over Easter. I was in the passenger seat and soon realized she didn't get it. I too am very hesitant to let anyone drive this machine (I will use Max's rule #2). Rhino's are a lot of fun, but the driver needs to know the limits (my wife is learning those now). Saftey gear a must, knowing the limits of these machines a must, but no guarantee of safety. As Rich stated there are risks associated with this activity.

MONICA · 2007-04-24 14:06:42

SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. I HAVE HAD AN INCIDENT OF ROLLING MYSELF OUT IN GLAMIS AND A FIRST TIME DRIVER FRIEND OF MINE, ANOTHER TIME, HAD TO BE LIFE FLIGHTED FROM THE CORR RACES WHEN HE ROLLED MY RHINO AND ALMOST HAD TO HAVE HIS LEG AMPUTATED. THESE 'TOYS' ARE NO JOKE AND I HOPE THAT BY YOU AND OTHERS LIKE YOU, AND I, WILL BE ABLE TO SPREAD THE WORD OF SAFETY FAR AND WIDE. AGAIN, SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

phxccw · 2007-04-24 19:57:11

IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE WHAT YOUR ARE GOING THROUGH. GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU FOR THE WARNINGS.

RIDE SAFE!!!

BigFatPig · 2007-05-05 13:59:39

I am very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
If you don't mind me asking, was she wearing a helmet?

DTH · 2007-07-04 12:23:32

god speed and believe, he will help get you through it. my deepest condolences..

trawler48 · 2007-07-04 19:00:54

my condolences

lovetobuggy · 2007-07-25 14:00:35

Hi,

I have 3 kids and they all have quads. My biggest fear is that
one of them will get hurt real bad, or even killed.

To hear about your daughter's death touched me deeply. My prayers are
with you and your family at this time.

Bruce in San Diego

brodave · 2007-07-25 22:07:41

losing a child is very hard thanks for your words about safety we all need to hear that

Strodder · 2007-11-14 21:45:35

I'm so sorry for your loss Rich. Thanks for posting this information. I am a new owner of a Rhino. I always think about safety, and always wear a helmet. I guess there are law suites about Rhino's turning over and killing people. That's one of the reasons why they are installing door on all the previously sold Rhino's. They want to keep legs inside. Why don't they lower the center of gravity, and widen the wheel base. Why are we expected to do this. You can spend another 5 Grand to make it safer.

Teebone · 2007-11-22 13:08:13

I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing a child.
The rules have definitly changed for my Rhino.
I also believe you need to make it safer, before you think about making it faster! Awell built Roll bar is a must!

rabbit · 2007-12-05 01:56:35

I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing a child.
The rules have definitly changed for my Rhino.
I also believe you need to make it safer, before you think about making it faster! Awell built Roll bar is a must!

Yeah after reading this post I have re thought my past practices. With three kids from 7 to 15, as is often the case you can make poor choices when it comes to safety. I know I have. :oops: . In the navy we used to say Saftey rules were written in blood for a reason.

Thank you for sharing your story. It is a heart felt and tragic lesson for all.

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