Category Archives: Safety

Oregon Study Looks At LSV Impact on Transportation Infrastructure & Safety

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A report published in December from the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium (OTREC) investigated the impact of LSVs on transportation infrastructure and safety on Oregon.

The purpose of the research was to determine positive and negative impacts that LSVs, which include Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) and Medium-Speed Electric Vehicles (MSEVs), are likely to have for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Oregon communities. In addition, the research explores whether adjustments in current state regulations are needed to ensure that LSVs do not negatively impact road safety and traffic operations, or expose the LSV operators to undue risk.

The results of the research included three major recommendations:

  • The State of Oregon’s regulations for LSVs should be amended such that LSVs are limited to public roadways with a maximum operating speed of 25 mph, and they are restricted to crossing higher-speed roadways at four-way stops or traffic-controlled intersections.
  • Local transportation authorities should work with LSV users and members of the bicycle community to develop parallel or secondary low-speed transportation networks that connect residential neighborhoods with major activity centers that include education, employment, retail, medical and recreational facilities.
  • LSV users need to be educated about the safety risks of LSVs, in particular those that have a “car-like” appearance, and the safety risks of modifying the speed regulator on LSVs.

Learn more:  Transportation Research Board – OTREC Report

Bad Boy Buggies Recall & Acquisition

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Recently acquired Bad Boy Buggies announced a large recall to address ongoing acceleration problems with their Classic model.  The recall covers approximately 9,300 vehicles sold from 2003 to 2010 including models involved in a 2009 recall that unsuccessfully attempted to solve the same problem. The vehicles can accelerate without warning and have led to some injuries.  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Bad Boy Buggies was acquired by E-Z-Go in October 2010 and now operates as BB Buggies, Inc.  Given the extent of the recall and assuming management new the recall was imminent, being acquired may have been the only recourse for the company.  For E-Z-Go the vehicle line adds a 4-by-4 electric platform to their extensive product line.  In our discussion with executives about the acquisition they remarked that they see potential in the platform beyond its current positioning as primarily a hunting vehicle.  In local newspaper reports E-Z-Go management has stated that for now they will be keeping manufacturing facilities in the Natchez, MS but will be analyzing the best course of action in the future.  Bad Boy Buggies CEO Skrabo noted the top-notch engineering and manufacturing facilities E-Z-Go brings to the situation.  Learn more:  Chronicle.augusta.com

Low Speed Vehicle News

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DOT Proposes Rear Visibility Rule – The US Department of Transportation recently proposed a new safety regulation to help eliminate blind zones behind vehicles that can hide the presence of pedestrians.  Issued by NHTSA, the new regulation would apply to all passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, buses and low-speed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds.  NHTSA believes manufacturers will install rear mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards. Learn more:  DOT.gov

US Navy LSV Sales – According to information from the US Navy, to date they have replaced 900 non-tactical vehicles in their fleet with low-speed vehicles.  The purchases are part of their overall alternative fuel vehicle program to convert a large portion of their non-tactical fleet of vehicles, which numbers over 46,000, to various alternative fuels.  Learn more:  Greenfleet.dodlive.mil

Cruise Car To Exhibit LSVs At World Energy Engineering Congress – This week Crusie Car will be exhibiting their All American Solar Electric LSV at the World Energy Engineering Congress being held in Washington DC.  Learn more:  Benzinga.com

Cub Cadet Recalls Utility Vehicles

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Cub Cadet voluntarily recalled approximately 200 Cub Cadet Volunteer utility vehicles because the front lower ball joint can detach and cause a loss of steering control. No injuries relating to the problem have been reported.  The vehicles were sold between April and September 2010.  Customers should stop using the vehicles and schedule a free repair.  Cub Cadet can be contacted toll-free at (888) 848-6038  or at  www.cubcadet.com .  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

Club Car Recall

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Club Car is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,000 Model 2010 DS golf cars and hospitality, utility and transport vehicles because the brake pedal can crack and separate, resulting in a loss of braking ability.  Two incidents have been reported but no injuries.  The vehicles were sold between April and July 2010.  Club Car is contacting customers directly and will inspect and replace brake pedals for free.  For more information, contact Club Car at (800) 227-0739, ext. 3580 between 8 a.m and 5 p.m. ET or go to the firm’s website at www.clubcar.com (pdf).  Learn more:  CPSC.gov

 


 

 

Bad Boy Buggies Recall LSVs For Acceleration Problem

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Bad Boy Enterprises recently announced they were recalling 370 of their 2009-2010 Classic LSVs because of an acceleration problem.  According to reports “…water getting onto the accelerator can cause a voltage surge that will cause the vehicle to accelerate without the pedal being pressed.”  The company has also told the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) that based on what they have seen in these LSVs a fix to an acceleration problem for a previous recall involving 3,900 vehicles will not solve  the problem in those vehicles.  The company is investigating what additional steps may be needed regarded those vehicles.  Learn more:  Wheels.blogs.nytimes.com