ABSTRACT
Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) require that the operator is seat belted. The reason is that we need to wear seat belts to retain the operator within the protective structure. The combination of ROPS and seatbelts represents a two-pronged, combinatory approach to guarding the operator from crushing blunt trauma during a rollover. Design analysis and research conducted by the Silsoe Research Institute indicated that ROPS performance test criteria for larger vehicles are also suitable for application to smaller vehicles in the 660 to 1320 lbs. mass range. There are certain psychological issues involved in consumers' reluctance to purchase optional safety equipment such as a ROPS + seat-belts package. One is the lack of perceived relevance of the warning or its directed behavior. Trixon and other manufacturers had known for some time about the serious hazards associated with vehicle instability and overturn incidents in the operation of riding mower equipment and other similar equipment.
