Warning from CPSC on Kazuma Meerkat 50 ATV

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The Kazuma Meerkat 50 Youth All-Terrain Vehicle, which is designed for children from 6 to 11 years old, is not being recalled even though the product has serious safety defects.

This all terrain vehicle lacks front brakes, has no parking brake and can be started in gear, which puts many children in serious danger of injury. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was unable to recall the product because the agency does not have a third commissioner and therefore lacks quorum.

For the most part, the lack of quorum hasn't affected recalls because up until now companies have been voluntarily cooperating with the Commission when a safety issue arises, says agency spokesman Scott Wolfson. However, when a company fails to cooperate and/or take action to deal with a safety issue, the lack of quorum restricts the CPSC's powers.

The company, Kazuma Pacific Inc., would not recall the item when the CPSC contacted them. The CPSC was forced to issue an very strong warning instead.

According to the company president Jason Tsai, the product has been selling since 2000 and they have received no accident claims. Tsai also states that the company has already been in the process of making a new version of the Meerkat 50 that addresses the CPSC's concerns.

If you, or anyone in your family has been injured form the Kazuma Meerkat 50 you may want to contact an attorney by filling out the form on the right.